Narae Park, on Hiatus, Spotted at Makgeolli Academy: "I Just Have to Do Something"

Appears with a male acquaintance... No response to power abuse allegations
"Trying to overcome loneliness"

Broadcaster Narae Park. Narae Park Instagram

Broadcaster Narae Park, who had suspended her broadcasting activities due to allegations of power abuse, was spotted at a traditional liquor brewing academy.

According to Ilgan Sports on January 23, Narae Park attended a makgeolli brewing class at a traditional liquor brewing institution located in central Seoul late in the evening on January 21. This was her first public appearance in front of the press since legal disputes with her former managers arose.

It was reported that Narae Park arrived at the academy by taxi with a male companion. The man accompanying her is said to be a friend who has been supporting her, as she is currently without a manager.

Narae Park briefly told reporters, "Hello. I am here for a class. It is about to start, so I need to go in right away. I just have to do something," before heading into the academy. She did not respond to questions regarding the allegations against her.

The man accompanying Narae Park stated, "She is going through a very difficult and emotionally challenging time," and added, "She carefully chose this place among the fields she was interested in, in order to overcome her situation, even if just a little."

He continued, "She needed an environment where she could focus emotionally and a space where she could study. She is trying to overcome the loneliness of being alone. She is also preparing to provide sincere statements for the upcoming police investigation."

The place Narae Park visited is an institution that teaches traditional liquor brewing methods, including for makgeolli and dongdongju. It was confirmed that the institution also covers a variety of alcoholic beverages, such as kaoliang liquor and wine, in addition to traditional Korean liquors. Narae Park is reportedly attending a makgeolli brewing class there once a week.

Online users have shown mixed reactions. Some expressed negative views, such as, "There was controversy because of alcohol, and now she's making alcohol again?" "Even if she wants to learn, she chooses to learn how to make alcohol. After all that happened because of drinking, she still hasn't come to her senses," and "There are also rumors about men, and now she's with a man? She must not care about public opinion." Others offered words of encouragement, saying, "It's hopeful that she's trying to learn something," and "Stay strong."