Itaewon Club Controversy: Netizens Lambast Park Gyuri, Jo Kwon, and Hong Seok Cheon + Their Responses
Korean netizens are currently angry and have been throwing hateful comments towards Park Gyuri, Jo Kwon, and Hong Seok Cheon, amidst the controversy regarding an Itaewon club where a coronavirus patient was recently confirmed.
According to Korean media, on May 7, in the form of a blind item report, a member coming from a top female girl group went to a gay club in Itaewon amidst the resurgent of coronavirus in South Korea.
As netizens' curiosity awakened if who's the person behind the blind item, an informant claimed that Park Gyuri went to the said club and even danced without a face mask. Shortly after, the agency and the artist herself confirmed the allegations. The said club is where the 66th confirmed patient in Yongin was tracked, worrying netizens for a possible mass infection.
'Itaewon Club' Controversy: Netizens Criticize Park Gyuri, Jo Kwon and Hong Seok Cheon + Their Responses
Creative Kkot, Park's agency, then released an official statement saying, "Park Gyuri is having a self-reflection and is deeply sorry to everyone. [...] Park Gyuri is also currently in self -isolation after testing negative. "
The female artist also posted her public apology, and wrote, "I deeply regret and apologize for not following the rules that everyone should follow during the period of social distance." She also explained that she wore a mask the whole time upon entering and leaving the club.
However, the criticisms from K-netizens didn't subside that easily. Some even accused her of going to a program to film an episode for her YouTube vlog, "Beauty and View," after going to the club.
Through OSEN, Park Gyuri's agency responded, "We didn't film anything on the 7th. Park Gyuri's last filming schedule is April 24."
Meanwhile, Park Gyuri is not only the one getting hate comments regarding the "Itaewon Club" Controversy. On May 11, 2AM's Jo Kwon lashed out at some netizens who were linking him to the issue.
'Itaewon Club' Controversy: Netizens Criticize Park Gyuri, Jo Kwon and Hong Seok Cheon + Their Responses
On the same day, the male idol posted a photo from MBC Every1's "Let Us Take Your Order," the program he recently filmed in. However, a netizen commented, "Please explain that you went to the club last week." The online user accused the male idol of also visiting the said club where the infected patient was confirmed.
Jo Kwon didn't hold back and made his rebuttal, "I'm sorry, I didn't go. For defamation, we take Instagram capture, track, and cyber investigation. Am I funny?"
Jo Kwon said, "I accept you often, so please give me a lot of explanations. Are you happy to reply to me?" The contents have been deleted as of Wednesday.
'Itaewon Club' Controversy: Netizens Criticize Park Gyuri, Jo Kwon and Hong Seok Cheon + Their Responses
Hong Seok Cheon's Instagram is also filled with negative remarks, wherein many are asking him to express his position regarding the spread of COVID-19 from the Itaewon club.
A comment by an internet user said, "I think it would be more effective if you could say something about gay gatherings than this (Thanks to your challenge). I'm waiting for you to say something about the gay community after you've expressed it in such an aggressive public place."
A netizen also wrote, "Do something good before you die after voluntarily getting all the tests done."
'Itaewon Club' Controversy: Netizens Criticize Park Gyuri, Jo Kwon and Hong Seok Cheon + Their Responses
In particular, they claim that Hong Seok Cheon, who had been harshly criticized during the last mass infection in Shincheonji, is silent on the situation involving his living place, Itaewon, and sexual minorities.
