The aftershocks of the Martial Law incident on December 3 are blowing fiercely into the entertainment industry. Singer Lim Young-woong and lyricist Kim Eana are being criticized for certain comments made amid the chaotic political climate. There are concerns both inside and outside the entertainment industry that the trend of netizens speculating on the political leanings of stars and applying excessive standards to them could easily escalate into a controversy over ‘idemic verification’.

○ Lim Young-woong‘s ‘DM controversy’ continues for 5th day

Lim Young-woong found himself at the center of controversy on the 7th after posting a picture of his dog on his SNS. A netizen sent him a direct message (DM) asking, “What are you doing in these times?” Lim Young-woong’s reply, “Am I a politician? Why are you raising your voice?” quickly spread online in captured form.

Since then, the atmosphere has been heating up with various opinions clashing sharply among netizens regarding his response. Some are defending Lim Young-woong, saying, ‘It was wrong to rudely ask for a political opinion’ while others are sharply criticizing, saying, ‘Are only politicians allowed to express opinions?

In line with this, there have also been reactions that it is unfortunate that Lim Young-woong‘s agency, Fish Company, has ‘l not communicated’ regarding the controversy. As of the afternoon of the 11th, the agency has maintained silence for five days, and has not even revealed the authenticity of the DM, which has only made waves. Since Lim Young-woong is about to hold his solo concert ‘Lim Young-woong Recital’ at Gocheok Sky Dome on the 27th, there is a possibility that he will directly or indirectly reveal his feelings on stage.

○Some agencies ‘Minimize use of SNS’

Kim Eana and Day6’s Dowoon also got into trouble. Kim Eana was embroiled in controversy in the past for using words commonly used on the far-right website ‘Ilbe’. Although she explained, “Ilbe,”, she is suffering as demands for her to leave the MBC radio program ‘Kim Eana‘s Starry Night’ continue.

Day6’s Dowoon also posted a video of himself playing the drums in military uniform pants on SNS after his reserve force training, and was met with baseless suspicions that he ‘supported martial law with soldiers at the forefront.’ Eventually, the controversy died down after JYP Entertainment, the agency, warned, “We will take strong action against groundless rumors, malicious slander, etc.”

As this tense atmosphere continued, some agencies have reportedly recommended that their artists minimize their use of SNS and fan communication platforms for the time being.

A music industry insider said on the 11th, “Everyone is being careful because meaningless comments can easily be misunderstood. If they post something for no reason, they might get criticized for being “insensitive.” I’m worried about how long this tense situation will last when we should be exchanging year-end greetings with fans.”


Reporter Yoo Ji-hye yjh0304@donga.com