As the “Burning Sun”scandal continues to garner attention through the BBC documentary, Seungri’s treatment of female idols, such as Kim Sejeong, has once again come to light on the internet.
On May 25, a video of Seungri and former I.O.I member-turned-soloist Sejeong gained attention from K-pop fans who observed the ex-convict’s behavior towards the songstress.
The gathering took place on the August 2018 episode of “Salty Tour,”where Seungri and Jung Joon Young joined Kim Sejeong and other guests for dinner at a restaurant.
Despite receiving positive reviews upon its initial broadcast, the atmosphere surrounding the show became a hot topic after viewers noticed Seungri’s “inappropriate”treatment of a younger idol at a later time.
During the gathering with other men, Seungri made a surprise suggestion to Sejeong, asking her to pour an alcoholic drink for the most handsome male guest. He stated:
“Since Sejeong came out on Salty Tour, haven’t you? There are five more men present here. Forget their fame, status and wealth. Just based on their looks, attitude and style, pour beer to the one that you find most attractive today.”
Despite the circumstances, Sejeong was only able to respond with an awkward smile. She inquired:
“What is this?”
Fans are currently expressing anger over the fact that Seungri had made Sejeong pour drinks, which goes against the traditional Korean culture where it is expected for women to serve drinks to men at bars. This action symbolizes the inferiority or submission of the person pouring the drink to the one receiving it.
Fans are further upset by the fact that Sejeong, who was only 22 years old at the time, was made to feel like a bar hostess in order to inflate the egos of the men present, who were in their early 30s.
Despite the Korean Communication Standards Commission (KCSC) charging tvN with disciplinary action for violating gender equality, fans are disappointed that Seungri was not held accountable for his actions when the show aired. This is especially frustrating given his involvement in the “Burning Sun”case.
The “Burning Sun Gate”scandal refers to a widespread sexual crime investigation in 2019 that implicated several K-pop celebrities. The accusations included sexual exploitation, assault, rape, police corruption, and other offenses.
The main figures involved in these offenses were Jung Joon Young and Seungri, with the latter receiving a sentence of 1 year and 9 months for soliciting prostitution and habitual gambling.
Despite being released from prison in February 2023, Seungri has yet to show any signs of reflection and is instead living a lavish lifestyle abroad, still using the name of his former group BIGBANG.
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