Despite their innocent intentions, model and actress Jung Ho-yeon, Hwang Se-on, and model and broadcaster Kim Jin-kyung received harsh backlash from netizens for sharing photos and videos from their recent trip to Okinawa, Japan on social media during the time of Liberation Day on August 15. Netizens accused them of insensitivity and questioned their decision to travel to Japan on such a significant day. However, it was later clarified that it was simply a misunderstanding.
According to sources in the entertainment industry on the 16th, both Kim Jin-kyung and Jung Ho-yeon shared photos on their Instagram accounts. Kim Jin-kyung posted pictures from beaches, resorts, and restaurants in Okinawa on the 13th, while Jung Ho-yeon did the same on the 14th.
On the 16th, Hwang Se-on shared a video on her Instagram story that showed the three of them together.
As soon as the trio’s Instagram accounts were flooded with criticism, netizens accused them of purposely not posting on the 15th while they were on a trip to Japan around Liberation Day. They questioned their decision to travel to Japan during this important holiday, asking, “Was it really necessary to be in Japan during Liberation Day?”
Hwang Se-on addressed the situation on her Instagram story the same day, stating, “I would like to clarify any misunderstandings. I have been in South Korea since Monday of this week and was occupied with work on Liberation Day as well.”
Netizens had varying reactions to the situation. While some individuals condemned the celebrities for their actions, stating that “Sharing pictures from a trip to Japan during Liberation Day reveals a lack of consideration,”others stood up for them by questioning, “Is it truly patriotic to constantly scrutinize and leave hateful comments on celebrities’ social media?”and adding, “Those who completely refrain from engaging with anything related to Japan are the only ones who can criticize.”
The trend of celebrities receiving hateful comments for sharing Japan-related content on social media during Liberation Day and March 1st persists every year.
On the 15th, TXT’s Yeonjun received criticism for sharing photos taken on a Japanese street on his social media. The following day, he issued an apology, acknowledging his lack of consideration for the historical importance of Liberation Day in his photo uploads.
On the 15th, Felix from Stray Kids also posted an apology for his previous mention of a Japanese anime challenge on a fan communication platform. He expressed remorse for his lack of historical awareness.
Leave a Reply