BTS's Jungkook and Shinhwa's Kim Dong-wan Stir Controversy with Reckless Remarks

Kim Ji-won's Shooting Star
Kim Ji-won, a reporter from TenAsia's music team, brings you a refreshing taste of the music industry like a 'shooting star'.

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Celebrities' reckless remarks are causing public fatigue. BTS's Jungkook has found himself at the center of controversy due to his behavior during a live broadcast, just as the group is gearing up for a full comeback. Meanwhile, Shinhwa's Kim Dong-wan continues to advocate for the legalization of prostitution.

On the morning of the 26th, Jungkook went live on the fan communication platform Weverse for about an hour and a half. During the broadcast, he stirred controversy with his use of profanity, admission of past smoking habits, and critical remarks about his agency, HYBE, and fellow members. The broadcast took place in the early hours, leaving neither the agency nor the members able to intervene.

While bantering with a friend, Jungkook said, "I don't know what to be careful about during live broadcasts anymore. I just want to be comfortable. I'm human too." He admitted to being a former smoker, saying, "I used to smoke a lot, but I've quit now. I'm 30, why can't I talk about it? I want to be honest with ARMY (the fanbase). If it weren't for the company, I would have said everything."

Jungkook's sudden use of offensive gestures and language towards a friend raised concerns among fans. When fans urged him to end the live broadcast, he responded, "Why should I turn it off? I'm doing it because I want to. Please don't tell me what to do." Despite reaching his current status thanks to his supporters, he seemed to disregard their opinions.

This controversy comes as BTS is preparing for a full comeback. The group is set to release their fifth studio album 'ARIRANG' on the 20th of next month, followed by a performance at Gwanghwamun Square on the 21st. Starting April 9-11, they will embark on a massive world tour across 34 cities with 82 shows. Amid heightened anticipation, rumors of Jungkook dating aespa's Winter emerged, and despite leader RM's efforts to communicate with fans, Jungkook has once again sparked controversy.

Jungkook isn't the only one in the spotlight. Kim Dong-wan is persistently advocating for the legalization of prostitution. On the 24th, he took to social media to say, "I've been receiving a lot of calls from elders and seniors lately. Don't worry too much; I'm just saying what I want to say." This is in reference to his stance on legalizing prostitution.

Previously, on the 17th, Kim Dong-wan argued, "In trying to eliminate red-light districts, the entire country has become one. We can't ignore the reality of single-person households." He added, "Some people can't do it without paying, and it's also a matter of disease control." His comments have sparked criticism.

As the controversy continued, Kim Dong-wan clarified his stance on the 20th, expressing concerns about minors entering the industry, lack of disease control, and exploitation within illegal structures. He emphasized the need for protection and management, but his repeated remarks have failed to gain public sympathy, increasing public fatigue. Celebrities discussing sensitive social issues like the legalization of prostitution need to approach them with caution and consideration of their influence.

Expressing one's beliefs isn't inherently problematic, but celebrities must consider the broader context and social atmosphere. Repeated reckless behavior can only amplify negative public sentiment.

Kim Ji-won, TenAsia Reporter one@tenasia.co.kr