"W Korea Apologizes After Five Days Over 'Celebrity Party or Breast Cancer Campaign?' Controversy"

Controversy Over Jay Park's 'Mommae' Performance and Donation Records
"Contrary to the Campaign's Purpose... Full Review of the Event Announced"

W Korea, a leading fashion magazine in South Korea, has faced criticism for its breast cancer awareness campaign, which has been running for over 20 years, being reduced to a 'celebrity party.' Ultimately, the magazine issued an apology five days after the event.

Fashion magazine W Korea, which hosts an annual charity event to raise awareness for breast cancer, has faced strong criticism for an atmosphere resembling a 'celebrity drinking party' that contradicts the event's purpose. W Korea official Instagram

The 'Love Your W' event, held on October 15 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Seoul, was attended by around 90 top stars, including BTS members V and RM, Taeyang of Big Bang, Karina of Aespa, Jang Wonyoung and An Yujin of Ive, as well as actors Jung Haein and Byun Wooseok. Scenes of a glamorous photo wall, celebratory performances, and guests drinking were shared on social media, leading to criticism that the event prioritized socializing over charity.

The controversy intensified when it became known that singer Jay Park performed his hit song 'Mommae' during the after-party. The song, which includes lyrics such as "I want to see your body" and "the twin sisters hanging on your chest," was criticized as inappropriate for an event meant to support breast cancer patients. In response, Jay Park issued an apology, saying, "If any cancer patients felt uncomfortable or offended by my performance, I am truly sorry."

The event's donation record also came under scrutiny. W Korea had stated on its website that it had raised a cumulative total of 1.1 billion won over about 20 years and provided health checkups to around 500 women. However, according to data obtained by Democratic Party lawmaker Lee Sujin, a member of the National Assembly Health and Welfare Committee, from the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the actual amount delivered to the Korea Breast Health Foundation from 2007 to this year was only 315.69 million won. No information was disclosed regarding other donation recipients.

Furthermore, in some years (2008, 2009, and 2017 to 2023), there were no donations at all, raising further questions about the effectiveness of the campaign. Meanwhile, it was confirmed that this year, 125.3 million won was donated to the foundation.

As the controversy grew, W Korea issued an official apology on October 19. "The 'Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign: Love Your W' began in 2006, and for 20 years we have worked to promote the importance of early detection of breast cancer," the statement read. "We acknowledge the criticism that the structure and execution of the event on the 15th were not appropriate given the campaign's purpose, and we take this seriously."

The magazine continued, "We deeply apologize for not being more considerate of the feelings and circumstances of breast cancer patients and their families, causing discomfort and distress. We are sincerely sorry for any inconvenience caused to those who participated with good intentions and empathy for the campaign's purpose." W Korea added, "We will use this incident as an opportunity to thoroughly review the entire planning and execution process of our events."

Regarding the donation controversy, the magazine claimed, "If we include corporate and individual donations, as well as amounts previously delivered to the Korea Population Health and Welfare Association, the cumulative donations over 20 years do total 1.1 billion won. Since 2006, funds have been delivered in two ways-direct donations and linked donations-and all records have been cross-checked with the Korea Breast Health Foundation and match the data from the Ministry of Health and Welfare."