In the midst of revelations that 'Your Love' cast member Han-gyeol was proposed a dinner date by Ri-won, Ri-won personally clarified the matter.
On the 1st, Ri-won stated through their personal account, "First, I want to clarify that this statement was written of my own volition, without consultation with the production team. I sincerely apologize for having to write such a statement again due to my actions, and currently, the contents of the stories posted by other cast members are all false."
Previously, Han-gyeol, who also appeared on 'Your Love' with Ri-won, stated, "During the filming, there were no romantic feelings between me and the cast member (Ri-won), and there was only an exchange of friendship. I hope the meaning for viewers is not diminished due to misunderstandings," adding, "After the broadcast, the cast members have maintained contact to the extent of exchanging greetings. During this time, I was proposed to travel abroad together, and at first, I understood it as just a simple invitation for a trip."
However, Han-gyeol stated, "Upon hearing more specific details such as accompanying dinner dates, I realized it was an inappropriate proposal that crossed a line. Therefore, I clearly communicated my intention to decline," adding, "I would like to mention that I am not the only one who received a similar proposal. False statements that the past has been resolved should not be used as a mask to easily lead one's sexual orientation in that industry."
In response, Ri-won said, "After the broadcast ended, this cast member found out about my past inappropriate broadcast activities and it seems that the interactions and scenes we shared during the broadcast left burdensome memories for them. I truly understand that feeling. I am someone who has done things that anyone could point fingers at in the past, and this cast member might have been afraid of being associated with me during a time when image is important for young individuals. I respect that sentiment and sincerely apologize for any damage caused to their image due to my actions."
Furthermore, "The part about the 'overseas schedule' mentioned by them was a conversation exchanged with a laugh about traveling to that country while discussing shared food preferences during filming. It was a simple promise made in front of the camera," they said, adding, "However, I also know that since I am someone who came on broadcast while hiding the past, there is no trust in my words. So, I attached evidence with a sense of desperation. However, to avoid secondary damage to anyone, all names were masked," sharing screenshots from a chat.
The released photo contained chat messages exchanged with the 'Your Love' cast member. One cast member asked Ri-won, "You said you cared for me until the end, and you're in a similar relationship with me. What's the introduction of the Billboard personnel? Answer me then. Can you name the title of the person who said they would introduce me? You can't, because you just set it differently according to the target, right?" To this, Ri-won replied, "No, really, that person is the Head of Team at Billboard Korea and they are my influencer agency's representative. I know that having a chemistry with you on a show despite my dirty past makes you feel uncomfortable and disgusted; I know all that. I was already feeling sorry for that and still do. I'll talk to the producer to see if we can edit it in the direction you want. I'm really sorry."
In relation to this, Ri-won said, "I know better than anyone that the broadcasts I participated in were inappropriate and behaviors that should be criticized socially," adding, "Therefore, I've never linked the same cast members to that matter, nor do I intend to. If there are those who want to escape from that industry but do not know how, please contact me. I will truly help as much as I can."
They continued, "I want to emphasize again that the broadcasts I participated in were wrong, and I do not support that industry. The underbelly should not emerge into daylight; I agree with the statements that it is harmful to teenagers, and I'm accepting all of that," assuring, "So I promise. After this program ends, I will never show my face in the media in Korea again. I'll live in hiding so as not to become uncomfortable or burdensome to anyone again."
Finally, Ri-won stated, "Above all, I am truly sorry for having tarnished the faces of the other cast members who, after much thought and great courage, participated in this program. I sincerely bow my head in apology to the production team who tirelessly worked day and night to create a program for sexual minorities," adding, "I apologize again for causing uncomfortable noise for those who just wanted to quietly watch the broadcast due to my participation in the program. I am truly sorry."
Meanwhile, the Wavve original variety program 'Your Love' is a show about the dating reality of female homosexuals. After its first broadcast, cast member Ri-won, who was revealed to have previously hosted adult internet broadcasts, was subject to claims that they are not a homosexual.
In this regard, Ri-won revealed, "I have hosted private content broadcasts for a total of 3 years, including 2 years from 2016 to 2018, about 4 months from November 2021 to March 2022, and about 7 months from February 2024 to September 2024. During my broadcasting activities, I engaged in a total of 6 dinner dates, and all meetings were healthy dining experiences without any physical contact."
Regarding my sexual identity, I said, "I am a woman who loves women. I first became aware of my sexual orientation in middle school and had my first serious relationship with a woman for 2 years and 6 months. However, after that, I also dated both women and men in a time when I wanted to deny myself."
Below is the full text of Ri-won's statement regarding 'Your Love'
Hello.
'Your Love' cast member Kim Ri-won.
First, I want to clarify that this statement was written of my own volition, without consultation with the production team.
I sincerely apologize for having to write such a statement again due to my actions.
I am deeply reflecting on having posted a story in an emotionally unstable state just moments ago.
In the rush of pouring out my heart, I mentioned expressions like 'life' and wrote in a disorganized manner.
I truly apologize for causing worry and discomfort.
Currently, the contents of the stories posted by other cast members are all false.
That cast member learned after the broadcast that I had previously engaged in inappropriate broadcasting activities.
I believe the interactions and scenes we shared during the broadcast left burdensome memories for them.
I truly understand that feeling.
I am someone who has done things that anyone could point fingers at in the past, and this cast member might have been afraid of being associated with me during a time when image is important for young individuals.
I respect that sentiment and sincerely apologize for any damage caused to their image due to my actions.
The part about the 'overseas schedule' mentioned by them was...
During filming, while discussing shared food preferences in our lodging...
...it was a conversation exchanged with a laugh about traveling to that country.
...it was a simple promise made in front of the camera.
However, I also know that since I am someone who came on broadcast while hiding the past...
...there is no trust in my words.
So, I attached evidence with a sense of desperation.
However, to avoid secondary damage to anyone, all names were masked.
I know better than anyone that the broadcasts I participated in were inappropriate and behaviors that should be criticized socially.
Therefore, I have never linked the same cast members to that matter, nor do I intend to.
If there are those who want to escape from that industry but do not know how, please contact me. I will truly help as much as I can.
I want to emphasize again.
The broadcasts I participated in were wrong, and I do not support that industry.
The underbelly should not emerge into daylight; I agree with the statements that it is harmful to teenagers.
I am accepting all of that.
So I promise.
After this program ends, I will never show my face in the media in Korea again.
I will live in hiding so as not to become uncomfortable or burdensome to anyone again.
Above all, I am truly sorry for having tarnished the faces of the other cast members who, after much thought and great courage, participated in this program.
I sincerely bow my head in apology to the production team who tirelessly worked day and night to create a program for sexual minorities.
I am truly sorry for having made the promise that all cast members would refrain from using social media during the contract period, but I caused that promise to be broken.
All responsibility lies with me.
I am just a person with a strange past.
The other seven cast members with whom I shared the show are all truly wonderful and sincere individuals.
They have lived diligently, and they participated in the show with great courage.
There are strange people and good people among heterosexuals...
There are strange people and good people among sexual minorities as well.
The strange person among them is just me.
Due to my participation in the program...
I caused discomfort for those who simply wanted to quietly watch the broadcast.
...I sincerely apologize again.
I am truly sorry.
[Photo] Broadcast capture
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