Broadcaster Park Mi-sun, who received a lot of support after revealing that she was battling breast cancer, issued an official apology and halted sales after controversy arose over a recent group purchase of a health food product.
On the 22nd, Park Mi-sun posted a handwritten apology on her Instagram, saying, "I unintentionally made you uncomfortable with this matter. I did not think it through," and added, "As a fellow patient fighting cancer, I once again felt acutely through this opportunity that there is still so much I don't know."
She continued, "I will study more and be more prudent going forward," and added, "Thank you to everyone who has supported me so much. I will take better care of my health and come back in good shape."
Earlier, on the 20th, Park Mi-sun posted about a group purchase for a blueberry-related health food product. At the time, Park said, "While I was sick, the most important thing was eating well. But choosing good things to eat was not as easy as I thought," as she introduced the product. She also said, "It's a product I have taken a lot myself."
In response, some internet users expressed concern that there is a lack of accurate information on the potential effects of berry concentrates on breast cancer patients. In particular, criticism arose that the way she sold the product with the intent of saying "you need to eat good things while battling an illness," after gaining public empathy by sharing her treatment journey, could be mistaken for a health functional food.
At the outset of the controversy, Park Mi-sun apologized for the discomfort but signaled her intention to continue the group purchase, saying, "It is certainly a good product, so I hope it helps those who need it." However, as criticism did not subside, she ultimately deleted all related posts, conveyed another apology, and stepped back.
Park Mi-sun completely suspended broadcasting activities for health reasons in Jan. this year. She later appeared on an entertainment program last month and directly disclosed her breast cancer battle and treatment process. She has completed chemotherapy and is currently on medication, and has been sharing her treatment process on YouTube.