[Current & Culture] Watching the Controversy Over Shinji's Marriage

There was a time when mixed-gender dance groups dominated the Korean music scene, a trend that is now hard to find. The 1990s saw the rise of groups like Cool, Jam, Roo'ra, UP, Space A, and S#ARP. Songs with fast, steady beats and carefree lyrics about love were perfect for nightclubs, which served as a haven for young people back then. As the 2000s arrived, both nightclubs and mixed-gender dance groups seemed to vanish almost simultaneously. Only one group?Koyote?has endured for 30 years and is still active today.

It is impressive that the group has survived for so long, and it is even more remarkable that they have continued to stick to the 1990s musical style. Considering how many genres have come and gone during that time, it feels almost miraculous. To use a fashion analogy, it's as if a brand has been making only skinny jeans for 30 years and is still thriving. Shinji, Kim Jongmin, and Baekga?who were either high school students or just entering their twenties at debut?are now in their mid-forties.

However, after Shinji, the only original member, announced her marriage, controversy and concern have continued instead of congratulations and support. I won't detail every controversy related to her fianc?, singer Moon Won, in this article. Anyone curious can easily find a flood of articles with a quick search. Since I joined the broadcasting company, there have been more than a hundred celebrity wedding announcements, but I have never seen anything like this. Why is that?

It's because Shinji has maintained a more public and relatable image than any other celebrity. Is there anyone in Korea over thirty who hasn't heard a Shinji song? The fact that so many people empathize and worry as if it were a family matter proves just how widely loved she is. Even I sometimes feel like Shinji is a distant younger cousin. The fact that her partner is also a celebrity adds to the scrutiny, as his words and actions are fully exposed to the public and thus easy to verify. Many people also draw parallels to the shocking marriage fraud that Nancy Lang suffered at the hands of Wang Jinjin, as seen in numerous comments.

Of course, both parties are well aware of the controversy and have each released statements. Moon Won has admitted to some allegations and denied others. Shinji, along with her agency, has stated that all rumors are completely unfounded. On a recent episode of the variety show "You Quiz," she even shed tears, saying she was afraid that the controversy surrounding her marriage might cause other Koyote members to be criticized or fans to turn away. When she said that the comment "Koyote is finished now" hurt her the most among all the malicious comments, I found myself getting emotional as well.

That should be the end of it. No matter how much fans like or worry about Shinji, they are not her family. Even for family members, if the person involved is this determined, there is no way to forcibly stop the marriage. Even if some of the allegations against Moon Won are true, it is crossing the line to treat him as being on the same level as Wang Jinjin, who committed serious crimes like robbery and rape before marriage. So let's stop here. If you truly cannot offer congratulations, then at least support her as much as you care.

Looking back, there are few celebrities as exemplary as Koyote. As singers and entertainers, all three members have given us nothing but joy, with stories of kindness and friendship instead of controversy or discord. Their songs are always uplifting and hopeful, no matter when you listen to them. I hope Shinji knows this: you are more than deserving of love. I support you.

Lee Jaeik, SBS Radio Producer and Novelist