W Korea Charity Event Criticized as Celebrity Party
Fashion YouTuber Reveals Invitation, Questions Appropriateness: "Is This Right?"
W Korea, published by Doosan Magazine, is facing ongoing controversy after it was revealed that its charity event, held under the banner of raising awareness for breast cancer, was operated as a celebrity-focused party, and that the invitation used the expression "breast cancer party."
Fashion YouTuber Sinu (real name Jeon Sinu) revealed on her channel on the 23rd the invitation she received from W Korea. The invitation stated, "The W Magazine breast cancer party, which became a hot topic with the participation of top stars," and added, "This year, we are inviting creators through a special partnership with W Magazine."
The invitation also encouraged attendance, saying, "You can watch celebrity performances up close in an intimate space and enjoy the party together with celebrities."
Sinu commented, "When I saw the words 'breast cancer party,' I wondered if this was appropriate. I thought, 'Am I really going to this?' But it turned out many people attended."
This event, titled 'Love Your W 2025,' was held on October 15 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Jongno-gu, Seoul, to mark the 20th anniversary of W Korea, and was organized as a charity event promoting breast cancer awareness.
On the day of the event, the venue was staged as a glamorous party attended by celebrities such as BTS members V and RM, IVE's Jang Wonyoung, aespa's Karina, actors Ko Hyunjung, Jung Haein, Lee Donghwi, and TV personality Cho Seho. However, there was criticism that there were no visible campaign symbols such as messages to raise breast cancer awareness or pink ribbons.
In particular, singer Park Jaebeom was criticized for performing the song "Mommae," which includes explicit lyrics such as "the twin sisters hanging on your chest," as it was deemed inappropriate for the purpose of the event. YouTuber Jung Sunho, whose mother is a breast cancer survivor, pointed out, "Singing such lyrics at a breast cancer event can feel like mockery."
Immediately after the event, W Korea posted photos on its official social networking service showing celebrities in sponsored outfits holding drinks and enjoying music. Some criticized the event, saying, "It was more of a celebrity party for fame and content exposure than for actual breast cancer awareness," and "Breast cancer was used as a marketing tool."
As public opinion turned negative, W Korea issued an apology on the 19th, stating, "We deeply apologize for failing to consider the feelings of breast cancer patients and their families, and for causing pain," and added, "We also apologize to those who participated with good intentions and empathy for the campaign for any discomfort caused." However, the controversy has yet to subside.
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