The Backlash from Communication: 'First-Generation Idols' Ok Ju-hyun and Kim Dong-wan Face Successive SNS Controversies [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Communication instead triggered a backlash. As communication on social media turned into controversy, first-generation idols Ok Ju-hyun and Kim Dong-wan found themselves in the spotlight one after another.

First, musical actress Ok Ju-hyun, formerly of the group Finkle, sparked renewed controversy by bringing up the so-called 'Ok Jangpan controversy' that erupted in 2022 while engaging in conversation with fans through a fan communication platform.

The 'Ok Jangpan controversy' was triggered when Kim Ho-young posted on his social media, "Asari-pan is old news. Now it's Ok Jangpan," amid allegations of nepotism casting surrounding the 10th-anniversary production casting of the musical 'Elisabeth.' With Ok Ju-hyun and Lee Ji-hye, both from the same agency, cast as co-leads in the musical 'Elisabeth,' interpretations arose that Kim Ho-young's post was aimed at Ok Ju-hyun.

Although four years have passed, Ok Ju-hyun stated she has never received an apology from Kim Ho-young and expressed regret for withdrawing her defamation lawsuit, reigniting the controversy by revisiting her feelings at the time. She also revealed that she suffered significant damage, including the early termination of advertising contracts due to the controversy, sparking further debate.

Subsequently, Ok Ju-hyun took to her social media on the 8th, stating, "I thought silence was best while pretending everything was fine," once again raising the issue and demanding a public explanation from Kim Ho-young. While Kim Ho-young's side has yet to offer any particular stance, attention is now focused on how they will respond in the future.

Prior to Ok Ju-hyun, Kim Dong-wan also saw his active communication via social media lead to successive controversies. He frequently became a topic of discussion by expressing his convictions on social issues through social media. In particular, when he posted a message with the gist that "covering up the issue will not solve it; we must address reality and manage it" regarding the problem of prostitution, he faced criticism from some netizens for allegedly supporting prostitution.

Kim Dong-wan explained, "Ignoring reality without protection or management could be seen as evading responsibility," but the controversy did not easily subside.

Additionally, he was once again thrust into the spotlight after it was revealed that he publicly supported broadcaster MC Dingdong, who had been sued for assaulting a female BJ during an internet broadcast. As criticism grew louder, he deleted the post and apologized, saying, "I will take more responsibility for every word and action."

Following a series of controversies, Kim Dong-wan eventually announced that he would cease operating his personal social media accounts. He later reflected, "I thought I was living responsibly, but looking back, I did many irresponsible things."

The cases of Ok Ju-hyun and Kim Dong-wan demonstrate how communication via social media can be a double-edged sword. Even these two individuals, who built trust with fans over a long period as first-generation idols, were no exception on social media. As the distance between them and their fans narrowed, the impact of their statements grew, and along with sincerity in communication, the importance of caution has also increased.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original