[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] Kim Dong-wan, a member of the group Shinhwa, faced backlash for defending MC the Max's Lee Soo (Jeon Gwang-cheol), who received a suspended indictment for engaging in prostitution with a minor. He also mocked a fan who pointed this out, causing further controversy.
On the 1st, Kim Dong-wan apologized through a handwritten letter posted on his social network service (SNS), saying, "I lost my judgment due to excessive drinking and caused disappointment and hurt to many people."
He added, "Above all, I deeply regret hurting those who have supported me a lot and stayed by my side for a long time. I will accept your scolding and criticism graciously and will be more careful and restrained in my words and actions going forward."
On the 31st of last month, Kim Dong-wan posted a video on his SNS showing Lee Soo singing on the stage of MBC's 'I Am a Singer 2' and wrote, "When will I be able to hear it? Lee Soo's voice from the audience."
Lee Soo was caught for soliciting prostitution from a 16-year-old minor he met online during his alternative public service in 2009. At the time, he admitted to the prostitution during the prosecution investigation but claimed he did not know the person was a minor. The court gave him a suspended indictment on the condition that he undergoes education to prevent recidivism in sex purchasing.
Some pointed out that Kim Dong-wan's remarks could be interpreted as defending a crime involving prostitution with a minor.
As fans continued to protest, Kim Dong-wan disabled comments on his SNS and posted again, saying, "I'm really relieved. That you are disappointed in me." Although he deleted the post after the controversy escalated, even fans responded that his behavior was "careless."
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