South Korean singer, Lim Young Woong finally spoke up after 21 days since receiving criticism. Previously, the trot singer received criticism for not giving support when most South Koreans demonstrated to demand the president's impeachment.
On December 27, 2024, Young Woong held a solo concert titled "Lim Young Woong Recital (RE:CITAL)" at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul. This marked his first public appearance since receiving public criticism. Young Woong greeted the audience during the concert with an apology for the criticism.
"I apologize for making you worry. I am someone who sings. I just want to bring joy, comfort, and happiness through my music," he said. Young Woong also promised to return as a better person. The audience responded to the man's apology with thunderous applause and cheers, showing their unwavering support.
On the other hand, the controversy began on December 7, 2024, when Young Woong uploaded a photo on social media with the caption, "Happy birthday to my Siwol," celebrating his pet dog's birthday. The post coincided with the demonstrations against the president's impeachment.
Young Woong began to draw criticism online from some netizens who felt it was insensitive to the gravity of the political situation. The issue escalated when a netizen shared a private DM (Direct Message) conversation with the man on an online community.
According to the screenshots shared, the netizen criticized Young Woong for posting about his dog at a politically charged time, writing, “What are you doing at a time like this?” The man apparently replied curtly, “What?”
Netizens then responded, "When the entire nation is united over the impeachment of a president who unconstitutionally declared martial law, I didn't ask you to speak up, but your indifference is shocking. Isn't your primary audience the demographic group that was affected by the last martial law?"
Young Woong responded to the criticism with, "Am I a politician? Why should I speak up?" As the controversy grew, Young Woong and his agency, Mulgogi Music, remained silent for 20 days, not making any statements until his concert.
Meanwhile, Young Woong gained popularity after winning the trot singer survival program titled "Mr. Trot". The man often holds concerts in various places in South Korea and his tickets always sell out in a short time because of the wide age range of his fans.
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