Broadcaster Kim Shin-young is drawing criticism from fans for her comments about the virtual idol group Playb.

On the MBC FM4U show ‘Noon Song of Hope, This is Kim Shin-young’ that aired on the 16th, DJ Kim Shin-young listened to Playb‘s new song ‘Dash’ and then had a conversation with guest Hangzoo.

When Kim Shin-young mentioned, “It’s been two years since Playb‘s debut”, Hangzoo asked, “Have you adapted (to being a virtual idol)? Kim Shin-young replied, “(Adapted) not”, mentioning a recent episode where Playb appeared on a radio show hosted by Go Young-bae, saying, “What really shocked me was that Go Young-bae took a picture with the members of Playb. I was really surprised. How did they record it? How did they broadcast it? That’s what I thought.“

Hangzoo responded, “I can‘t meet you. I’m close with the virtual group. First of all, I can‘t meet them. Because we live in different worlds. I can only communicate with them through social media (SNS). The photos are photoshopped,” he explained, and Kim Shin Young was surprised again, saying, “This is crazy. Did you take those photos by yourself?”

Kim Shin Young then said, “To be honest, you can’t appear on our broadcast. I think I‘ll really feel dizzy. I can’t see you, so where are you looking?” and added, “But I have to accept this culture, but it‘s still (difficult for me).”

However, Kim Shin Young’s remarks brought about a huge backlash. The “Noon Hope Song” story and request bulletin board was flooded with posts asking her to select Playb‘s songs, and the official SNS was also flooded with criticism and demands for Kim Shin Young to step down as a DJ. The situation is the same on Kim Shin Young’s personal SNS. Accordingly, he has currently deleted all of his posts.

Kim Shin-young and MBC have not made any specific statements.

Meanwhile, Playbe is a five-member virtual idol group that debuted in March 2023 and is active with the worldview of creating a new world to achieve their dreams.

Reporter Lee Seul-bi, Donga.com misty82@donga.com

This article is automatically translated using Google AI. If you notice any inaccuracies, please let us know at allkstar@donga.com.