What is the story about?

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recent breast cancer awareness event in South Korea has become a subject of massive backlash due to the controversy that started hogging headlines soon after. The W Korea's annual 'Love Your W' event first started trending for its elite guest list that included the who's who of the Korean entertainment industry, from BTS members to Stray Kids, aespa and IVE. But even before fans could soak in the stardom, it sparked huge online outrage.Why did 'Love Your W' event turn controversial despite the presence such mega stars? Here's full controversy explained!
What was the event about?
Fashion magazine W Korea recently held its annual breast cancer awareness charity titled 'Love Your W. The event aims at inviting celebrities who would intiiate awareness through media interactions, quotes and social media posts.This year the event was held on October 15 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Seoul, that also marked the 20th anniversary of the campaign, launched to promote early detection and awareness of breast cancer.Who all were invited this year?
The star-studded guest list included BTS' V, RM and J-Hope, aespa's Karina, IVE's Jang Wonyoung, Jeon Somi, Stray Kids' Bang Chan and Seungmin, ENHYPEN's Jake, Sunghoon and Jungwon, TXT's Soobin, MONSTA X's Shownu and Hyungwon, BIGBANG's Taeyang and many more K-pop idols. Actors like Lee Dong Hwi, Lee Jun Ho, Lee Soo Hyuk, Lee Chae Min, Park Eun Bin, Choo Young Woo, Park Gyu Young, Gong Myung, Byeon Woo Seok, Moon So Ri, Ha Jung Woo and several more were also seen at the event.Why did the event receive backlash?
From the photos and videos that surfaced from the event, netizens were quick to notice the entire mood of the evening and started slamming the organisers and celebs for turning it into a publicity-driven fashion party rather than a meaningful charity initiative. They called out the team for turning the show into a celebrity party rather than a campaign for awareness.Even the event's coverage was criticised for allegedly focussing on celebrities drinking, celebrating or participating in viral challenges. From the quotes that surfaced, barely any celeb spoke or mentioned about the campaign's purpose. Overall, the show was called out for lacking a sincere focus on breast cancer awareness.Even an article posted by W Korea titled 'Inside W Korea’s Breast Cancer Party' did not fit well with the readers, who called it anything but focussing on cancer awareness. Though the post was removed, the damage had been done.Which celebs were slammed?
Giselle from aespa faced the heat when her clip surfaced where many claimed she was walking heavily drunk while leaving the venue. Even LE SSERAFIM's Kim Chaewon and Kazuha were seen posing with wine glasses grabbed eyeballs.Jay Park's performance on Mommae a high point of the event, got heavily criticised for being outrageous. Social media users pointed at Jay singing the lyrics like "Right now, I want to be introduced to the twin sisters hanging on your chest." being insensitive toward breast cancer patients. Jay later apologised on his social media.How did Jay Park apologise?
He wrote on Instagram, "After the official breast cancer awareness campaign event ended, there was an after-party and performance. I understood it as a gathering of people who came together with good intentions and in good spirits, so I performed as I normally would. To any cancer patients who may have felt uncomfortable or upset watching my performance, I sincerely apologize. I hope you all stay healthy. Hwaiting! I performed, even though I have an injury, without pay and with a good heart, wanting to contribute in a meaningful way. Please don’t twist that goodwill. I meant this for those of you trying to turn one act done with good intentions into a controversy… Please don’t twist what I said or misinterpret it. I ask for your understanding."How did netizens react on social media?
Internet continues to remain fuming with netizens stating that the show appeared more like a social gathering that focussed on celebrity appearances and entertainment rather than a meaningful campaign. One user noted on X (formerly Twitter), "Alcohol is the worst thing for breast cancer." Another one pointed, "What does drinking and posing for photos have to do with breast cancer awareness?" A netizen reacted, "I am a breast-cancer patient. Did my illness become something for you to party over, drink and laugh about?" One comment read, "I don’t know what the attending celebrities did for breast cancer while drinking and laughing and singing songs that don’t match breast cancer at all." Many users pointed at a report by The Korea Times that stated, despite running for two decades, the campaign managed to raise only about 1.1 billion KRW (US$773,000). "For one of the country’s largest breast cancer charity events, that’s an incredibly small amount," wrote a user. "There wasn’t a single photo or statement from the attending celebrities expressing solidarity with the cause," concluded a social media user.Do you find this article useful?