[YeitSuda] Lim Young-woong's Apology, Public Regret Amid Fans' Support

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Singer Lim Young-woong expressed his position 21 days after the DM controversy. This took place at the first performance of his solo concert ‘Lim Young-woong Recital (RE:CITAL)’ held on the 27th at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul.

Singer Lim Young-woong.
[Photo by KBS2]

During the first speech after the concert opening, Lim Young-woong said, “I apologize for causing you worry and concern,” and added, “It was a time to learn a lot. I am a person who sings. My role is to bring joy, comfort, and happiness through my songs. I will come back with a more improved version of myself.” While there was much interest in whether Lim Young-woong would address the controversy that day, reactions from fans and the public were mixed regarding his apology on stage, where he bowed his head directly to the fans.

The controversy began on the 7th when Lim Young-woong posted on his social media celebrating his pet dog’s birthday. At that time, South Korea was experiencing turmoil following President Yoon Suk-yeol’s declaration and lifting of martial law. Social conflicts were intensifying, with protests demanding the president’s impeachment taking place in Yeouido and across the country. In this context, Lim Young-woong’s post was criticized as being careless.

The controversy escalated when a netizen revealed Instagram DMs (direct messages) exchanged with a person presumed to be Lim Young-woong. The netizen sent a message saying, “What are you doing in this situation?” to which the presumed Lim Young-woong replied, “What?” The conversation continued with the response, “Am I a politician? Why should I raise my voice?” which further fueled the controversy.

After the DM screenshots were made public, neither Lim Young-woong nor his agency issued any statements and remained silent. This intensified the controversy. Some criticized his attitude and expressed disappointment. Cultural critic Kim Gap-soo pointed out on the YouTube channel ‘Potbbang Maebul Show’ on the 9th that Lim Young-woong’s DM controversy showed “a lack of basic civic literacy. Even if one cannot actively act or speak out, if one takes a passive attitude to escape responsibility like that, they should not be considered qualified as a Korean who has contributed to the difficult history of Korea until now.”

After the impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk-yeol was passed in the second impeachment vote, participants gathered in front of the National Assembly building in Yeouido, Seoul, cheered and danced. Photo by Heo Young-han

Lim Young-woong’s Direct Approach: Fans’ Support and Public’s Regret

Lim Young-woong’s apology was made during the concert in front of about 20,000 fans. Fans present at the venue encouraged him with applause and showed their support. However, the public’s reaction was somewhat disappointed, viewing the apology as formal since there was no direct mention of the controversial DM.

In particular, the statement “I am a person who sings” was linked to the earlier response during the controversy, “Am I a politician? Why should I raise my voice?” which left some members of the public with the impression of a power struggle. He was also criticized for expressing his position only at a concert attended solely by fans, rather than through official accounts or channels that communicate with the general public.

An industry insider said, “While there is no obligation to express political views, as an artist who operates based on public popularity, he should have been more cautious during such a sensitive time. Limiting the apology to fans only can give the impression of avoiding communication with the public.”

Additionally, some signs of fan departures have been detected following the DM controversy. Some members of the younger generation who helped with concert ticketing have declared a ‘ticketing strike,’ stating they will no longer support their parents’ fandom of Lim Young-woong. Although the small number of departures and boycotts may not cause immediate significant damage, it could become a factor that cracks his broad public base in the long term.

Lim Young-woong has built a strong middle-aged fanbase to the extent that even the younger generation of fans’ children participate fiercely in concert ticketing competitions under the name ‘Filial Piety War.’ As he naturally gained attention as an artist who interests all generations, numerous good deeds such as donations, acts of kindness, and stories like distributing fruit to local residents due to noise during concert rehearsals contributed to building his favorable public image and positive reputation.

However, starting from this controversy, his status and reputation, once represented by positive influence, and above all his strong likability, have sharply declined, revealing a temperature gap between his fandom and the public.

This controversy goes beyond a simple issue of an artist’s remarks and raises questions about the role an artist with public popularity should play at the boundary between fandom and the general public.

Editor's NoteYeitsuda (藝It Suda) is an abbreviation for “talk about art,” a column focusing on issues and trends across the arts, including music, fine arts, and performances.