As the so-called 'poverty challenge' spreads mainly on social media, singer and actor Kim Dong Wan issued sharp criticism of the trend.
Recently on Instagram and X (X, formerly Twitter), posts showing high-end consumption accompanied by the phrase 'this damn poverty' have been appearing in succession. They post photos certifying first-class airplane seats, foreign car smart keys, luxury shopping, and then describe themselves as 'poor.'
Although it may seem to satirize poverty on the surface, critics say it is actually content that indirectly flaunts financial comfort.
In response, Kim Dong Wan wrote on his social media, "It feels like someone is consuming another person's deprivation as a prop, if you view this as a self-deprecating joke." He emphasized, "Poverty is an emotion that is not easily made into a laughing matter," and said, "There are words and productions that should never be done even to be funny."
He added, "Even at this moment there are college students who are deciding whether to buy a triangular gimbap because they have no money," and "If you think about the fact that their hands hold phones for their livelihoods, this is something to be discussed only in group chats." He added, "That's why I don't even do group chats," expressing bitterness.
Kim Dong Wan's remarks align with the concern that the 'poverty challenge' erases the weight and pain of actual poverty and is being consumed like a meme. Real-world difficulties such as housing insecurity, educational disparities and social stigma disappear, leaving only the word 'poverty' lightly borrowed.
Netizens also expressed agreement with the criticism, responding, "Can poverty be a trend or a source of amusement?", "It is more unpleasant than boasting about wealth," and "No matter the trend, there are lines that must not be crossed."
[Photo] 'OSEN DB'
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