A boy group member who had previously already become controversial due to his social media activities is once again facing backlash, even from his fans.
Previously, famous paraplegic YouTuber Park We uploaded a video titled “Why I’m Revealing CCTV Footage” on his YouTube channel. The footage showed Park We falling when the social service worker’s foot caught the wheelchair’s wheel while he was getting off a KTX train on a ramp.
Following the release, criticisms of recklessness arose, and eventually Park We apologized directly, saying, “I thought negatively about the mistakes made in the process of helping me better. My way of delivering the message was immature and thoughtless.” However, the backlash did not subside.
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Amid the controversy, Shinhwa member Kim Dongwan added his two cents, expressing, “He is new to having a disability. From his perspective as someone with a disability, he could only consider everything as such. And the stories that came from that moment gave a chance for people without disabilities to reflect.”
He added, “I do not know all the details of this incident. But I do realize that the time it takes for an ordinary person to become news has become very short.”
Later on, Kim Dongwan added, “I have no personal connection or vested interest with Mr. Park We. I do not take lightly the fact that a social service worker who made a mistake without intent and apologized on site is being exposed to criticism.”
He continued, “The method of releasing the video can be criticized. However, what worries me is that such criticism often extends to condemning a person entirely by dragging up unverified past incidents. When I said ‘ordinary person,’ I meant someone who is immediately reported on without any filtering, not the extent of influence,” he clarified.
Finally, Kim Dongwan said, “Criticizing mistakes and collectively insulting a person are different things. My intention was that no one should be the target of such attacks. This is my fault and since there were critical comments, I will leave the original text as it is.”
However, as criticism of Park We continues, Kim Dongwan, who defended him, also faced backlash. Even fans have turned against Kim.
A fan said, “Our dear mother always said, ‘Staying silent gets you through just okay.’ Please stop using social media… What you write as your thoughts can be a stone thrown at someone else… the more you speak, the more you lose.”
Another fan said, “I’ve been a Shinhwa fan for a long time. Please just be quiet, that’s the safest path. This is my first comment on this account, please.”
Other reactions included: “Better to stay quiet in times like this,” “Even public service is new to him,” “It’s best to quit social media,” and “You yourself are not an ordinary person, so please be very careful with your remarks. That is the influence of someone who is not ordinary.”
This is not the first time Kim Dongwan has drawn attention for his words. Read more on other incidents below.
Controversial Idol Draws Attention Once Again For His Social Media Activity