Shinji of the group KOYOTE and singer Moonwon, who are set to marry in May, said Moonwon lost his livelihood because of various controversies and took on several part-time jobs.
On the 24th, Shinji and Moonwon appeared together on KBS 2TV's Shin Sangsulsi-Pyeonstorang for the first time since announcing their marriage.
Boom said, "There were voices of concern about Shinji," and Shinji said, "I am grateful and sorry. If I hadn't met him, I don't think last year would have been so hard."
Earlier, Moonwon said, "I didn't know Shinji was famous," in a slip of the tongue, and when he confessed that he had been divorced and had a daughter with his ex-wife, public opinion cooled rapidly. Shinji said she could accept it because she loved him, but longtime KOYOTE members Kim Jongmin and Baekga were taken aback. Afterwards, criticism over Moonwon's attitude, remarks and clothing at the formal meeting multiplied, and a nationwide opposition sentiment emerged.
The controversy spread to Moonwon's past records and personal life. Unverified claims about his stage name change, overseas activities and his school and military service years spread online.
Shinji's side sought to verify the facts and officially explained that all the raised allegations were found to be untrue. Shinji also posted on social media that she had checked all the allegations with her agency and confirmed they were not true, and that she would be more careful in the future.
However, negative views toward Moonwon remain, and some people are still not pleased with Moonwon and Shinji's marriage.
Shinji said of Moonwon, "All performances and congratulatory songs were cut off after the controversy." Moonwon said, "While looking for what I could do, I worked at a logistics center and cleaned stairways," and "I couldn't just sit idle and wanted to help." Everyone admired him as "diligent," and Shinji said, "The members were worried and said he was really diligent when they heard he went to clean."
Shinji had released a handwritten letter, but the public still viewed them coldly, and Moonwon said, "It can't be helped. I'll work hard to show how much I love Shinji to ease the worries of her fans."
Shinji said, "It's enough even now. Being seen by others isn't everything. There are things felt by the two of us and those close to us," and comforted him, saying, "I'm proud and respectful and grateful enough. It's all over now. You endured well."
Meanwhile, Shinji and Moonwon will marry on May 2.
[Photo] broadcast capture, SNS
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