On February 17, a post capturing Kim Dong Wan’s comments on Threads was shared on DC Inside’s Shinhwa gallery. The screenshots quickly circulated across online communities.
In the captured post, Kim wrote:
“While trying to eliminate entertainment districts, the entire country is becoming one. Seeing entertainment venues in front of churches, schools, and police stations makes me question things. We need to acknowledge and manage it. With the rise of single-person households, we can’t just ignore reality and pretend covering it up will solve the problem.”
A netizen responded in strong agreement, suggesting the introduction of a regulated red-light district system, arguing that prostitution “can never disappear due to human nature” and therefore should be managed legally.
To this, Kim replied:
“Could you summarize that a bit more briefly? About four lines?”
In another exchange, when a different user expressed mixed feelings — saying taxation might be beneficial but questioning full legalization — Kim responded:
“The reason I believe it should be legalized is that there are people who cannot [engage in sex] without paying. It’s also a matter of disease control.”
The blunt remarks shocked many fans. Online reactions included comments such as:
- “Wow.”
- “He’s really gone too far.”
- “This is the worst thing I’ve seen.”
- “Can’t he change in the new year?”
- “This is dizzying.”
Although Kim Dong Wan later deleted the post and reportedly closed his Threads account, screenshots remain accessible through search engines.
On February 19, Kim posted a lengthy statement criticizing what he described as a growing “culture of hatred” fueled by anonymity online.
He wrote:
“Anonymity once played a necessary role. There was a time when people needed a channel to speak out. But it was meant to reach power, not to amplify anger in a bamboo forest. When hatred toward certain countries and races is packaged as patriotism, people feel no guilt. Anonymity has become immunity.”
He further added:
“We need an era where words carry responsibility. We must seriously consider whether to leave anonymous boards as they are, or introduce systems of real-name verification and accountability.”
The controversy continues to divide public opinion, with some defending his argument as a policy discussion while others criticize the moral and social implications of his stance.
Sources: Netizenbuzz