"personal freedom vs. public figure influence" why criticism poured in over Kim Dae-ho's cigar-smoking photo
Former announcer-turned-broadcaster Kim Dae-ho has sparked a fierce debate among netizens after revealing a photo of himself smoking a cigar. In particular, the controversy has intensified as voices emphasizing the responsibility of a celebrity who influences the public have clashed with claims of "personal freedom."
On the 22nd, Kim Dae-ho posted a photo on his social media. The released photo shows Kim Dae-ho sitting on the floor in a relaxed outfit inside what appears to be his home, smoking a cigar. He shared his daily life with the captions "want to go refill my cigar" and "can't we reconcile with the United States?"
Because Kim Dae-ho has regularly shared honest updates ranging from "drinking alone" photos to unvarnished selfies, many reacted that this post was just a natural sharing of daily life. However, as the photo clearly showed cigar smoke rising, some netizens expressed concern.
In particular, noting that Kim Dae-ho keeps a pet cat, reactions continued such as "there's a cat, so indoor smoking is worrying," "it may be a personal preference, but was it necessary to show it off?" and "it's uncomfortable to look at." Some argued, "no matter how much it's personal freedom, there are reasons he's being singled out for criticism."
On the other hand, voices defending him also rose, saying "isn't it a person's freedom to do what they want in their own home?" and "it seems like excessive interference in someone else's private life."
However, the core of the critical perspective is that Kim Dae-ho is not an ordinary private person but a celebrity watched by many. Netizens emphasized his responsibility as a public figure, saying, "every action of a celebrity influences the public," "we must not overlook that especially young people can see and learn from it," and "the problem is more that he posted the image publicly than the act of smoking itself."
In other words, even if the behavior is not legally problematic, critics say that as a broadcaster who receives public interest and affection he should reconsider once more what message his actions might convey.
Thus, Kim Dae-ho's cigar-smoking photo is fuelling controversy at the point where the two values of "personal freedom" and "public figure influence" collide, and debate continues.
Meanwhile, Kim Dae-ho joined Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) as an announcer in 2011 and gained great popularity through variety shows such as I Live Alone. He announced his resignation in February and declared himself a freelancer, and he is currently signed exclusively with Wonhundred and working as a broadcaster.
[photo] 'OSEN DB, SNS'
[OSEN]