Is Kim Dong Wan determined to become Shinhwa's official troublemaker?
Kim Dong Wan, a member of the group Shinhwa and an actor, is now controversial for advocating the legalization of prostitution. Earlier, after defending singer Lee Soo, who received a suspended indictment on charges of prostitution involving a minor, and then apologizing, he has again faced intense criticism.
A photo capturing a post Kim Dong Wan left on his personal SNS on the 17th was recently shared on online communities. In that post, Kim Dong Wan wrote, "Trying to eliminate entertainment districts has made the whole country into entertainment districts. When you see entertainment districts in front of churches, in front of schools, in front of police boxes, you can't help but wonder. We have to acknowledge and manage them. Given the reality of increasing single-person households, leaving it alone with the logic that you can just cover it up is unacceptable," expressing his thoughts on legalizing prostitution.
In response, one netizen reacted, "It seems right to collect taxes, but I'm not sure legalization is correct," and Kim Dong Wan replied, "The reason I think it should be legalized is because there are people who cannot avoid receiving money. It's also about disease control."
When another netizen left a comment explaining the need to introduce a regulated system of brothels, Kim Dong Wan responded, "Could you explain it a bit more briefly? In about four lines?"
After the post was made, some netizens poured out criticism toward Kim Dong Wan. Netizens voiced that his comment was careless and said things like, "The argument that school-front entertainment districts exist because they aren't legalized makes no sense," and "What was he thinking when he said that?" expressing disappointment. There were also reactions that it was even more disappointing because he is an entertainer who built popularity among teenage female fans while performing with Shinhwa.
As the controversy spread, Kim Dong Wan made his SNS private and again expressed his opinion: "What I worry about is the influx of minors, lack of disease control, and exploitation within illegal structures. I believe that a posture of ignoring reality without protection and management while talking about morality can be an evasion of responsibility."
However, controversy and critical views continue over Kim Dong Wan's remarks. In particular, his earlier comments that appeared to defend Lee Soo, who received a suspended indictment on charges of prostitution involving a minor in 2009, were again brought up. His call for legalizing prostitution has sparked a strong backlash.
In 2021, Kim Dong Wan posted a video of Lee Soo on SNS with the caption, "When will I be able to hear it? Lee Soo's voice from the audience," which led to criticism that he was defending a sex offender who caused social controversy. Kim Dong Wan responded lightly at first. He later apologized, saying, "My judgment was impaired by excessive drinking and I caused disappointment and hurt to many people. I am sorry," and added, "Above all, I regret most hurting the people who supported me a lot and stayed by my side for a long time. I accept your scolding and criticism and will be careful with my words and actions and exercise restraint going forward."
However, Kim Dong Wan later caused controversy several times with problematic remarks. In 2021, a feud with Shinhwa member Eric that exposed internal discord disappointed fans. The feud was not solely Kim Dong Wan's mistake, of course. Still, the public revelation of long-standing discord was a moment that tarnished Shinhwa's pride in maintaining the team without disbanding. It also disappointed fans who believed in and supported the "one-team Shinhwa."
Last year he said about variety show offers, "I wish I would stop getting variety show offers. I'm not confident I can be funny, and I don't want to bring real stories out in front of the public. Digging into the past only leaves wounds for oneself. Can't I just live quietly pretending to be happy and successful? I just want to be left alone," and added, "If you make excuses about scheduling about three times, they'll stop on their own. Of course it must be something ordered from above," he wrote.
Afterward, some netizens responded negatively, saying, "Getting attention is the job of being an entertainer," "You might not have opportunities later," and "Many people regret losing a single opportunity, so that's careless." Kim Dong Wan said, "During the pandemic I missed many things because I didn't get vaccinated. Just when I thought I was 'becoming an entertainer again' through a drama, numerous comfortable offers came in," and reflected, "Looking back now, the method seemed wrong. There are people lined up wanting to be on air at all costs, so talking like that was arrogant," showing remorse. He also told juniors, "To friends who dream of acting and singing, I hope you won't misunderstand. Do everything. Prepare while doing everything. When you want to give up, that's when opportunity comes."
[photo] OSEN DB.
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