Broadcaster Hong Jin Kyung posted a photo wearing red clothes on social media (SNS) the day before the 21st presidential election vote, but deleted it after internet users protested.
Hong Jin Kyung posted several photos wearing a red top on her SNS on 2nd. The photos showed her trying on clothes at a clothing store and enjoying a relaxing time at a cafe.
Internet users protested that Hong Jin Kyung has consistently worn a red top. They expressed negative reactions such as, "Why red at this time?" "I'm unsubscribing," and "I don't think just saying I didn't know will suffice." There were also comments like, "I always support you" and "You look great."
Hong Jin Kyung deleted the controversial post. She then posted a handwritten apology on a notebook.
In the post, Hong Jin Kyung stated, "Regardless of the reason, I was absolutely wrong." She noted, "Because I was on a business trip overseas, I just checked the internet now due to the time difference. I apologize for the delay in my apology" and added, "I can't believe I made such a foolish mistake at this sensitive time."
She continued, "The photos I posted were taken two days ago at a store in Stockholm," and said, "I posted the photos thinking the design was interesting, but I didn't consider the color of the top." She reflected, "Living in Korea feels so detached after being overseas for a long time that I think I've lost my tension."
Hong Jin Kyung recently released a video on her YouTube channel 'Study King Genius Hong Jin Kyung,' featuring Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party of Korea presidential candidate, Kim Moon-soo, the People Power Party presidential candidate, and Lee Jun-seok, the Reform Party presidential candidate.
Earlier, Karina, a member of the group aespa, faced political controversy after posting a photo wearing a jacket with the number '2' highlighted in red on SNS. The agency clarified that there was no political intent.
Rapper Beenzino also posted a photo emphasizing red along with the phrase 'World Red Day', and when controversy arose, he said, "There was no political intent."