[Comprehensive] Song Minho and Park Gyuri's Hypocrisy Controversy... Donation for 'COVID-19' but Club Outing Causes Stir

Actor Park Gyuri (left), former member of the group Kara, and Song Minho (right), member of the group WINNER. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Yeon-ju] Actress Park Gyuri, formerly of the group Kara, and WINNER member Song Min-ho are facing public outrage for their contradictory behavior of making donations to prevent the spread of COVID-19 while visiting clubs during the 'social distancing' period.

Park Gyuri came under heavy criticism on the 11th after allegations surfaced that she visited an Itaewon club in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, which was visited by the 66th confirmed COVID-19 patient in Yongin City.

According to a media report, Park Gyuri danced to Kara songs at the Itaewon club during a time when social distancing was strongly emphasized.

In response, a representative from her agency Creative Kkot said, "We apologize for causing concern due to this unfortunate incident," and admitted that Park Gyuri visited the club, adding, "She is currently deeply reflecting on her actions."

They further explained, "She wore a mask continuously from the time she entered until she left," and "On the day the confirmed case news broke, before receiving contact from the district office, she voluntarily visited a screening clinic to get tested immediately, and after receiving a negative result, she is currently self-isolating."

However, as videos of Park Gyuri dancing inside the club surfaced online and questions about whether she wore a mask arose, the agency reversed their statement, saying, "Except for about 20 seconds upon entry, she wore the mask continuously until leaving."

Following Park Gyuri, it was revealed that WINNER’s Song Min-ho also visited a club in Yangyang, Gangwon Province, during the period when 'social distancing' was emphasized.

According to a Dispatch report on the 12th, Song Min-ho visited a club in Yangyang on the 3rd and performed his hit song "Anakne" impromptu.

The report stated that Song Min-ho was not wearing a mask at the time, and most people at the club wore masks hanging from their chins. Additionally, the crowd reportedly pressed closely toward Song Min-ho during his surprise performance.

The club explained to Dispatch, "Song Min-ho was not officially invited for a performance but stopped by while passing through," and "Most of the guests were acquaintances of Song Min-ho."

Song Min-ho’s agency, YG Entertainment, promptly issued an apology, stating, "It has been confirmed that Song Min-ho went on a personal trip with acquaintances," and "We will make sure our artists strictly follow personal hygiene rules and social distancing."

Although Song Min-ho and Park Gyuri officially donated masks and encouraged 'social distancing' on social media, they are unlikely to avoid criticism for some time due to their failure to properly adhere to social distancing guidelines.

Prior to visiting the Itaewon club, on the 28th of last month, Park Gyuri posted on her social network service (SNS), "It’s a night full of thoughts. I hope everyone endures this situation well and meets again in good health soon," and "I exercise. I need to clear my head," along with a photo certifying her home training.

Additionally, in March, Park Gyuri and her partner Song Ja-ho donated 10,000 masks to a medical center in Daegu to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and infection.

Song Min-ho also canceled a casual brand showcase event he was collaborating on with Kang Seung-yoon on February 28 and donated 10,000 masks.