Long-running idol group Shinhwa members Kim Dong Wan and Junjin took contrasting actions on social media on the same day. Kim Dong Wan apologized over the controversy, while Junjin was praised for commemorating Shinhwa's 28th anniversary. What split public opinion toward them?
Kim Dong Wan posted an apology on his personal social media on the 24th. He said, "I deeply apologize to everyone whose hearts were disturbed by recent events," and added, "If my words and actions caused discomfort, that is entirely my responsibility. I should have been more careful, and I am sincerely reflecting. From now on I will take more responsibility for every word and action."
Earlier he posted on his personal social media, "Who would cheer for Dingdong (MC Dingdong) for no reason?" and received a barrage of public criticism. That is because MC Dingdong recently grabbed the hair of a female broadcaster who appeared with him on an online live broadcast and assaulted her.
It was because the female broadcaster mentioned his past drunk-driving record. As a result, the victim received a two-week treatment diagnosis, rejected a 10 million won settlement offer and announced plans to file a complaint. Kim Dong Wan's social media post, which seemed not to consider this context, drew criticism. Ultimately Kim Dong Wan admitted his mistake, apologized and deleted the post. Recently Kim Dong Wan has repeatedly become embroiled in controversies.
The problem is that Kim Dong Wan's social media controversy was not the first. Earlier he sparked debate with remarks that appeared to advocate legalizing prostitution. Then a person identifying themselves as his former manager, Mr. A, posted allegations arguing about parts he felt were unfair while working as Kim Dong Wan's manager, leaving an exposé. The initial exposé was deleted but had already spread online. Kim Dong Wan said, "The content currently circulating is false claims that do not match the facts," and announced a firm stance including civil and criminal legal action.
Nevertheless, Mr. A targeted Kim Dong Wan again on his personal social media, saying, "I kept quiet because I was afraid the fallout would get bigger," and, "Brother, stay still." This drew attention as the dispute between Kim Dong Wan and his former manager escalated into mutual allegations. Amid this, Kim Dong Wan went ahead with an offline busking event on the 24th, apologized to fans there and on social media for his verbal misstep, and brought the controversy to a close for the time being.
Coincidentally, on the same day Kim Dong Wan released his apology, fellow Shinhwa member Junjin posted a lengthy message on his personal social media, saying, "Twenty-eight years have already passed since that day filled with orange light." In the post Junjin thanked fans, saying, "Park Chung Jae, who was full of bravado in his rookie days, and Junjin who poured energy on stage, all could exist because you were by our side."
He also mentioned Shinhwa members. "Thank you for quietly keeping each other's place over 28 years, sometimes like brothers, sometimes like friends. The path we have walked together became someone else's dream, and for us it became life itself. Let's continue on in health, continuing to be ourselves," he wrote. Junjin added, "My vitamins, Shinhwa Changjo! During a time when the landscape has changed nearly three times, thank you sincerely and I love you for staying in the same place without change. The sound of your support is the greatest force that makes my heart beat. As always, we are Shinhwa!"
Although they share the same 28th debut anniversary, fans and the public could not help comparing the contrasting social media statuses of Kim Dong Wan and Junjin. Kim Dong Wan had also received praise in the past through social media. He once did not spare harsh criticism of social controversies, and that produced public praise as "refreshing remarks." However, once he lost public sympathy and crossed the line, even praise turned poisonous. On the other hand, Junjin's actions, focused on communication with fans as a member of the longest-running idol group Shinhwa, seemed to continue drawing praise. A star's actions that do not lose the balance of connection and empathy and whose every word on social media is evaluated is an essential virtue in this era.
[Photo] OSEN DB.
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