Kim Gap-su Criticizes Lim Young-woong for Avoiding Political Remarks: "A Bystander Attitude... Not Qualified as a Korean"

Kim Gap-su "Lack of Civic Virtue" Criticizes Lim Young-woong
Choi Wook "I Don't Think This Is the Time to Get Annoyed"

Trot singer Lim Young-woong. Lim Young-woong Instagram

Trot singer Lim Young-woong reportedly told a netizen, "I'm not a politician, so why should I speak out?" In response, poet and cultural critic Kim Gap-soo and broadcaster Choi Wook criticized his remarks.

Kim Gap-soo and Choi Wook appeared on the broadcast 'Maebul Show' on the 9th, referring to the direct message (DM) from Lim Young-woong's social media account that had spread online. Kim Gap-soo said, "'Am I a politician?' and 'Why should I speak out?' reflect a lack of basic civic awareness," adding, "When such attitudes are revealed, they can be questioned and criticized." He continued, "Even if one cannot actively act or speak out, if they adopt a bystander attitude to evade responsibility in that way, they should be considered unqualified as Koreans who have made the history difficult until now."

Choi Wook said, "I want to take the time to criticize the media that shows a neutrality that is not truly neutral," and added, "When I first saw Lim Young-woong's response, I was very angry and honestly annoyed, but now I think this is not the time to be annoyed about this." In response, Kim Gap-soo said, "Since we are usually too excited, let's talk about breathing today," explaining, "There have been far more reactions from entertainers and sports stars compared to now. This shows how rigid and frozen our society has become, and how a single word can cause a big issue." Then Choi Wook said, "I have no desire at all to get close to Lim Young-woong. I really hate this kind of thing," but added, "Right now, I don't want to talk about such things at all."

Direct message (DM) content exchanged between Lim Young-woong and an internet user has been revealed. Online community

Earlier, on the afternoon of the 7th, just before the vote on the impeachment motion against President Yoon, Lim Young-woong posted a message on his social media account celebrating his pet dog's birthday. A netizen sent him a DM saying, "What are you doing in this situation?" When Lim Young-woong replied, "What?" the netizen said, "The whole nation is gathered over the impeachment motion against the president who declared martial law unconstitutionally. I don't expect you to speak out, but this is really insensitive. Aren't the people who experienced the previous martial law your main consumer base?" To this, Lim Young-woong reportedly responded, "Am I a politician? Why should I speak out?"

When the conversation was made public online, netizens engaged in heated debate. Some reacted with comments such as, "Did he really have to post everyday photos when the nation is on edge?" "His response shows no consideration of his influence and is really disappointing," and "I used to think well of him, but now I'm disappointed." On the other hand, some defended him, saying, "Enjoying everyday life well is just one way to endure 'this situation,'" "There is no reason to force him to speak out," and "It doesn't seem like Lim Young-woong did anything wrong."