"Worried Because Baby Was Touched Without Pertussis Vaccination"…Netizens Debate Over Park Soo-hong's Wife's Post

"Concerning Situation During Newborn Photoshoot"
Controversy Arises Over Staff Posting Photos on SNS and Safety Issues Raised

Kim Da-ye, the wife of broadcaster Park Soo-hong, posted a photo of a non-celebrity staff member on social media and raised safety concerns, sparking various reactions online.

Park Soo-hong and Kim Da-ye.
[Photo by Jeon Bok-i Instagram]

On the 2nd, Kim wrote on her daughter Jeonbok-i's (nickname) Instagram account, "Newborn photoshoot of Jeonbok-i at the postpartum care center. These days, postpartum centers coordinate newborn photoshoots," she wrote. Park Soo-hong and Kim Da-ye announced the birth of their daughter on the 14th of last month. The couple, who have a 23-year age difference, registered their marriage in July 2021.

Kim added, "The people taking the photos were touching the baby and getting close to her face, but they said they hadn't all received the pertussis vaccination, so I was worried and anxious," and continued, "They probably meet different newborns every week, so maybe it's just a mother's concern that it's so worrisome. Jeonbok, let's build up your immunity."

Along with this, she posted a photo showing a masked staff member adjusting Jeonbok-i's lying position, apparently preparing for the photoshoot.

Newborn photo shoot scene revealed by Park Soo-hong's wife, Kim Da-ye.
[Photo source=Instagram]

Kim's post sparked debate on online communities. Some netizens criticized her, saying, "Isn't she publicly targeting the staff?" and "Did she post the photo to make people criticize the company?" One netizen wrote, "If pertussis is such a concern, how do they film the KBS parenting show 'The Return of Superman'?"

On the other hand, some sympathized with Kim's opinion, saying, "They are people who come to the postpartum center to take photos, so shouldn't pertussis vaccination be mandatory?" "If it's a job that frequently interacts with babies, pertussis vaccination is basic," and "It's natural for a mother to be worried."

Later, Kim removed the post from social media. She reportedly explained, "(At the postpartum center) even family members who have been vaccinated are not allowed to visit. I found out during the photoshoot that the photo company staff had not been vaccinated against pertussis, but it was awkward to request stopping the shoot midway." She also clarified, "I had no intention of targeting the company." She reportedly added, "Displaying a personal issue on social media only causes debate and problems. I will be more careful in the future." However, this post is no longer visible on either Kim's or Jeonbok-i's Instagram accounts.

Pertussis is a respiratory disease caused by infection with the Bordetella bacteria. It presents symptoms similar to a cold, such as coughing, fever, sore throat, and runny nose, and is highly contagious. The younger the patient, the higher the mortality rate, with the highest mortality in infants under one year old. Vaccination is the most important preventive measure, along with practicing proper handwashing, cough etiquette, ventilation, and avoiding touching the eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.