Although the event carried the title of a breast cancer awareness campaign, there was not even an "ㅇ" of "breast cancer." Rather, critics say there were only "ㅇ"s such as "twentieth anniversary" and "twenty years" as the publication celebrated its 20th anniversary.
On the 15th at the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul in Dangju-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, W Korea held its 20th breast cancer awareness campaign charity photo event.
On the day, Tomorrow X Together Subin, Gosu, Go Hyun-jung, Gong Myoung, Gray, Kim Min-ha, Kim Se-jeong, Kim Young-kwang, Kim Young-dae, Kim Ji-seok, Noh Sang-hyun, Noh Jung-eui, DEX, LE SSERAFIM Kim Chae-won·Kazuha), MONSTA X Shownu·Hyungwon, Moon So-ri, Bamingtiger, Park Gyu-young, Park Eun-bin, Park Jae-bum, BTS RM, J-Hope, V, Byeon Wooseok, Suhyun, Stray Kids Bang Chan·Seungmin), (G)I-DLE Miyeon·Minnie·Soyeon·Shuhua·Yuqi, IVE Ahn Yu-jin·Rei·Jang Won-young, ILLIT Yoona·Minju·Moka·Wonhee·Iroha, aespa Karina·Winter·Giselle·Ningning, NMIXX Haewon·Seolyun, ENHYPEN Sunghoon·Jake·Jungwon, ELRIS, All Day Project Annie·Tarzan·Bailey·Youngseo·Woochan, Woo Won-jae, Won Ji-an, Lee Dong-hwi, Lee Min-ho, Lee Su-ji, Lee Soo-hyuk, Lee Young-ae, Lee Yu-mi, Lee Jun-hyuk, Lee Chae-min, Lim Su-jeong, Lim Ji-yeon, ITZY Yeji·Yuna), Jang Yoon-ju, Jeon So-ni, Jeon So-mi, Jeon Yeo-bin, Jung Ryeo-won, Jung Haein, Jo Yuri, Choo Young-Woo, Code Kunst, Krystal, Kiki Jiyu·Lee Sol·Sui·Ha-eum·Kiya, Taeyang, Ha Jung-woo, Hwasa, Hyoyeon and others attended.
W Korea said in the event invitation, "This campaign aims to widely raise awareness of the risks of breast cancer and to greatly support prevention and treatment. We hope you will attend the specially prepared party and performances to further brighten this meaningful occasion." Many stars likely attended believing it was a "breast cancer awareness campaign." However, many reacted that the "ㅇ" of "breast cancer" was hard to find at the event.
In the released photos and videos of the event, the pink ribbon representing breast cancer awareness was not seen. Instead, the footage showed numerous celebrities and influencers dressed in glamorous gowns and luxury goods clinking glasses and enjoying the party. Park Jae-bum performed the song "Body," which contains many explicit descriptions of the female body.
Critics say the event failed to show the essence of breast cancer awareness and was effectively just an "exclusive social party." For patients who must follow strict diets and avoid alcohol during cancer treatment, having an alcohol-fueled party at an event meant to honor their suffering seemed to cause feelings of deprivation and anger. Also, although the event drew attention over 20 years through sponsorships from many corporations and participation by famous figures, it emerged that cumulative donations amounted to only 1.1 billion won, raising suspicions that the event focused more on other things than on substantive patient support.
Perhaps recognizing the seriousness of the situation, W Korea deleted some posts from its official social media account, but despite acknowledging the controversy it has not issued an official statement or apology. A W Korea representative told OSEN only, "We cannot provide a response."
According to organizers, the celebrities attended without pay to support the event's purpose. However, invited participants who attended with good intentions found themselves caught in an unfortunate situation. Among them, Park Jae-bum, who performed "Body" as a celebratory stage, apologized, saying, "After the official breast cancer campaign event ended, I understood the party and performances to be for those present who came with good intentions and good hearts, so I performed as usual despite my busy schedule. If any cancer patients felt offended or uncomfortable watching my performance, I am sorry. I hope you stay healthy. I also performed without pay with a good heart while injured. Please do not abuse that good intention." But his apology has instead amplified criticism from the organizers that the choice of song for a performance tied to a charity event was very careless.
There are many events that carry out breast cancer awareness campaigns. The reason this particular event drew controversy and scrutiny is clear. It failed to show its 'essence.'
Although the event promoted "breast cancer," it lacked meaningful awareness efforts, and indiscriminate use of the "breast cancer" hashtag has been criticized for causing humiliation to patients actually dealing with the disease. Event organizers need to focus on the core purpose of the event based on understanding and empathy for patients and deeply reflect on the true value and direction.
[OSEN]