SHINHWA member Kim Dong-wan, who has consistently shared his opinions on controversial issues, has announced that he will stop managing his personal social media accounts.
On the 12th, Kim posted a brief message on his Threads account, stating, "From now on, my Instagram and Threads accounts will be managed by my office. Stay healthy, everyone. I hope to see you all in person someday."
Kim has been known for expressing his thoughts on sensitive social issues with unusual candor for a celebrity. While some viewed this as prioritizing honest expression over image management, there was also significant fatigue from the public regarding the recurring controversies and subsequent apologies.
In particular, he faced heavy criticism last February after posting comments on Threads that were interpreted as advocating for the legalization of prostitution. At the time, Kim wrote, "In trying to eliminate red-light districts, the whole country is becoming one," adding that it should be "acknowledged and managed," which sparked intense backlash.
He later came under fire again for publicly supporting MC Dingdong, who had been embroiled in a controversy involving the alleged assault of a female streamer.
After posting, "Who wants to support Dingdong for no reason?" he deleted the post and apologized following the intense public criticism. However, he later fueled further controversy during a busking event celebrating SHINHWA's debut anniversary by saying, "I plan to continue being noisy," and "I think I will continue to disappoint you from time to time."
Recently, he shared a comment on an article about television personality Yoo Toong, who had confessed to having five wives and eight marriages and divorces, writing, "No one's life should be judged lightly." Seemingly aware of the controversies, Kim had also recently reflected on his actions through social media, stating, "These days, I consult with AI before posting anything."
Following his announcement to step back from social media, reactions online have been mixed. Some fans defended him, saying, "Isn't it too harsh to hold a celebrity to such strict standards?" and "He should be allowed to express his thoughts freely." Conversely, others commented, "His remarks, which bordered on gaffes, and his apologies have been repeated," and "It seems better for his agency to manage his accounts."
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)
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