[Exclusive] 'No Bra Challenge' Announcer Im Hyun-joo Targets Trolls..."Mockery Relying on Anonymity"

Photo by Im Hyun-joo, MBC announcer, Instagram capture

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Yeon-ju] MBC announcer Lim Hyun-joo shared her thoughts regarding the flood of malicious comments she received after participating in the 'No Bra Challenge,' stating, "I am not shaken at all by the sarcasm that relies on anonymity."

On the 19th, Lim posted on her Instagram a message titled 'Regarding the questions asking which side you are on,' saying, "I only expressed my opinion, yet people ask which side I am on. Some even try to stir up issues and gain benefits using specific words. They claim to have no interest but create attention."

She added, "The order is wrong. I did not speak from any particular side but simply started from the questions I had. When something that has been taken for granted seems questionable, I have chosen not to overlook it."

She continued, "I have received many messages asking if I am okay. I hope I am not hurt by the comments that are purely critical. I am surprisingly okay myself. I can understand a mistake once, but if it continues, I will respond firmly," signaling a strong stance against malicious comments.

She further said, "Some cautiously ask if it is difficult to handle such reactions while being an announcer. On the contrary, I believe it is something I can do precisely because I am an announcer. I will not be discouraged."

On the 13th, the MBC documentary 'Series M' featured MBC announcer Lim Hyun-joo participating in the 'No Bra Challenge.' Photo by MBC documentary 'Series M' capture

Earlier, Lim participated in the 'No Bra Challenge' on the MBC documentary 'Series M,' which aired on the 13th.

In that broadcast, Lim attracted attention by hosting MBC's 'Live Morning Today' without wearing a bra.

Following this, on the 14th, Lim posted on Instagram, "Once you go beyond one layer of underwear, you can feel much freer. The day I did the live broadcast without a bra. It took a bit of courage, but since it was not visible from the outside, nothing happened, and after trying it, I now wonder, what does it matter?" expressing her conviction.

Below is the full text of announcer Lim Hyun-joo’s Instagram post

'Regarding the questions asking which side you are on'

I only expressed my opinion, yet people ask which side I am on. Then they speculate whether I think the same about this or that. Some even try to stir up issues and gain benefits using specific words. They claim to have no interest but create attention.

The order is wrong. I did not speak from any particular side but simply started from the questions I had. In my daily life, work, and environment, as a woman, as an office worker, and while working at a broadcasting company, these questions came first. 'Is it really something that should not be done?' When something that has been taken for granted seems questionable, I have chosen not to overlook it.

Through this post, I share what I have experienced and felt. I share that various choices are open to us, which can give courage to someone with similar aspirations and serve as an opportunity for each person to make autonomous choices. However, I have never forced what is right or wrong. Accepting or rejecting it is also each person's choice.

I have received many messages asking if I am okay. I hope I am not hurt by the purely critical comments, and I am grateful for the support as well. I am surprisingly okay. 'When did I become so strong-hearted?' I am not shaken at all by sarcasm that relies on anonymity.

I also receive messages asking to take action against such comments and videos. Thanks to that, I have seen some comments and videos. They wear sunglasses or provocative clothes and blatantly divide sides. However, they commonly omit one important fact: that this was the 'No Bra Challenge' through the MBC program .

Even though it was repeatedly clarified that this was an official program shoot, removing that premise allows the trolling narrative of 'an announcer who deliberately reveals going braless live alone to provoke gender conflict and seek attention.'

I deeply respect the diverse opinions in the world, but creating issues and reactions through distorted editing is a different matter. However, I can understand a mistake once. But if it continues, I will respond firmly. For the sake of principle.

Some cautiously ask if it is difficult to handle such reactions while being an announcer. On the contrary, I believe it is something I can do precisely because I am an announcer. I think I have to handle many more situations alone. I have received more support than I deserve this time as well. I will not be discouraged. I will continue to think and talk together about meaningful choices and changes.