2,990 won per month... 'Sincerity questioned' in the narrative of overcoming quadriplegia; backlash for Song Ji-eun and Park Wi couple [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

Song Ji-eun, formerly of the group SECRET, and influencer Park Wi, a married couple, opened a paid membership on their YouTube channel 'Wi Miracle', drawing criticism from netizens.

Earlier, on the 16th, the couple posted a video titled 'Please become part of the Wi Miracle family' on their channel, which has 1.01 million subscribers. In the video, Park Wi announced, "To celebrate seven years since the channel's launch and strengthen communication with subscribers, we are starting a paid membership".

Regarding the reason for introducing the paid membership, Song Ji-eun explained, "I thought it would be okay to try, as it allows us to share deeper stories with subscribers".

The membership fee was set at 2,990 won per month. Song Ji-eun stated, "Exclusive videos will be provided", and added that it means "we will show our honest moments as a couple that were not fully shared in our vlogs".

However, this sparked negative reactions. While introducing paid memberships is common for YouTubers, the couple, who gained public attention by spreading 'positive influence', ended up facing 'backlash'. In particular, the couple, who overcame quadriplegia and built a family through love, now find their '│sincerity'│ even '│sincerity'│ being questioned.

Netizens commented: "│Opening a paid room means they must have expected criticism. Honestly, it's reasonable to think they need money. In a democratic society, opening a paid membership is free, and criticizing it is also free"│, "│Shouldn't they be grateful just for YouTube ad revenue? The membership is greedy"│, "│What exactly will they show or communicate through the membership?"│, "│'│Was 'Wi Miracle''│ created just to make money"│, "│'│'Wi Miracle''│ will probably sell emotions while saying that"│, "│It's just a way to make money anyway. They talk about positive influence"│, among other criticisms.

Song Ji-eun and Park Wi got married in 2024. Park Wi was diagnosed with quadriplegia after a fall accident in 2014 but has recovered enough to move his upper body through consistent rehabilitation.

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*This content was translated by AI.