Han-gyeol, a participant in ‘Your Love’, spoke out about the controversy surrounding Ri-won’s past and sexual orientation.
On the 1st, Han-gyeol opened up on his SNS story, stating, “There were no romantic feelings between me and the participant during filming, only a friendship exchange,” clarifying his stance on the recent controversy related to the program.
The Wave original ‘Your Love’ is the first domestic reality show about women’s love, created by the production team of the popular ‘Others’ Love’, which depicted men’s dating reality. It received immense attention, ranking first in new paid subscriptions for three consecutive days right after its release.
However, following the intense interest, it became embroiled in controversies regarding the past and authenticity of the ordinary participants. Ri-won was accused of having engaged in high-level content as a BJ in a revealing broadcast and of having met some viewers privately. In response, Ri-won acknowledged her past as a revealing broadcast BJ but clarified that there were no inappropriate meetings with viewers. She strongly denied the suspicion regarding her sexual orientation, stating, “I am a woman who likes women.”
Despite the participant’s clarification, the controversy surrounding Ri-won continued to grow, and Han-gyeol, who was speculated to have a romantic connection with her, drew a line by stating it was “friendship exchange” rather than “romantic feelings,” adding, “After the broadcast, the participant and I have maintained contact to check on each other.”
He continued, “I received a proposal from Ri-won to go on an overseas trip together, and at first, I understood it as a simple travel invitation. However, as I heard more specific details like going on dinner dates, I realized it was an inappropriate proposal that crossed the line,” revealing, “I clearly conveyed my refusal. I also want to mention that I am not the only one who received a similar proposal.”
Above all, Han-gyeol pointed out the core of the controversy surrounding Ri-won, stating, “The false claim that one has sorted out their past should not be used as a mask to easily lead to this industry regarding sexual orientation.”
Finally, he appealed, “I understand that there can be various interpretations of the relationship shown on the broadcast. However, I am just a participant and an individual living an ordinary life,” urging, “Please refrain from excessive speculation or distorted false interpretations that are not based on facts.”
There were no romantic feelings between me and the participant during filming, only a friendship exchange.
I hope that misunderstandings do not diminish the meaning of viewership.
After the broadcast, the participant and I have maintained contact to check on each other.
During this time, I received a proposal to go on an overseas trip together, and at first, I understood it as a simple travel invitation. However, as I heard more specific details like going on dinner dates, I realized it was an inappropriate proposal that crossed the line.
I clearly conveyed my refusal. I also want to mention that I am not the only one who received a similar proposal.
The false claim that one has sorted out their past should not be used as a mask to easily lead to this industry regarding sexual orientation.
I understand that there can be various interpretations of the relationship shown on the broadcast. However, I am just a participant and an individual living an ordinary life.
Please refrain from excessive speculation or distorted false interpretations that are not based on facts.
[Geum Bit-na, MK Sports Reporter]
