Kim Gap-su's Comment “Dating a Minor Is Not a Crime” Sparks Controversy
Maebul Show Apologizes: “Sorry for the Trouble... Problematic Segment Permanently Discontinued”
Cultural critic Kim Gap-su has faced public backlash for seemingly defending actor Kim Soo-hyun, who is under suspicion of having a relationship with the late Kim Sae-ron while she was a minor. In response, the YouTube channel ‘Maebul Show,’ where the remarks were broadcast, issued an official apology.
‘Maebul Show’ MC Choi Wook apologized during a live broadcast on the 18th, saying, “I sincerely apologize for causing controversy. Apologies should be specific, but since it could cause further controversy and hurt someone, I am sorry for not being able to apologize in detail. The problematic segment will be permanently discontinued. We will approach broadcasting more cautiously. Once again, I sincerely apologize,” bowing repeatedly.
This apology was in response to Kim Gap-su’s remarks on ‘Maebul Show’ on the 17th. Kim Gap-su mentioned the recent conflict between the late Kim Sae-ron’s bereaved family and Kim Soo-hyun’s side, saying, “Although I feel sorry for the deceased Kim Sae-ron, I am not interested in whether she was involved with Kim Soo-hyun or not.” He added, “I wish the young actor who passed away early could be quietly remembered, but the mudslinging among the living is regrettable. There is mudslinging over the repayment of 700 million won in damages, and a press conference demanding acknowledgment of the relationship caused a commotion. It’s truly strange. Either way, it’s an unpleasant sight.”
Kim Gap-su said, “Dating a minor has been treated like a huge crime. People date with significant age differences, and the woman could be much older, right?” He continued, “Why suddenly call it a minor? That doesn’t make sense.” He added, “They probably dated when they were young. Since Kim Sae-ron was a child actor, she likely socialized early. She reportedly dated from age 16, and the man was 27 years old. In my case, I probably wouldn’t have considered it a romantic relationship because I was immature at that age. I’ve never dated a young woman, so it probably wouldn’t have worked out. This is a personal characteristic,” emphasizing his point.
After the video was released, netizens strongly reacted with comments such as “How can someone use such a degrading expression about a person?” “It’s an insult to the deceased,” “Apologize officially immediately,” “Words that leave one speechless,” “The problem is seeing a minor as a sexual object,” “The bereaved family must be very upset if they see this,” and “If the suspicion is true, it can never be defended.” In response to the controversy, ‘Maebul Show’ immediately deleted the problematic segment.
Meanwhile, Kim Sae-ron passed away on the 16th of last month. The late Kim Sae-ron’s family has claimed through the YouTube channel ‘Garosero Research Institute’ since the 10th that “Kim Sae-ron had been in a romantic relationship with Kim Soo-hyun for over six years starting from when she was 15 years old.” Kim Sae-ron, born in 2000, and Kim Soo-hyun, born in 1988, have a 12-year age difference. Kim Soo-hyun’s side initially denied the dating rumors but reversed their position on the 14th, stating, “They dated from 2019 to 2020, after Kim Sae-ron became an adult.” They drew a line on the suspicion of dating a minor, calling it “an unfounded rumor.”
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