Criticism has arisen regarding a charity event hosted annually by a well-known domestic fashion magazine. Contrary to the purpose of ‘raising awareness for breast cancer’, the event showcased famous celebrities and influencers enjoying a party filled with alcohol and music.
On the 15th, the ‘Love Your W 2025’ event, aimed at improving breast cancer awareness, was held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Sinmunno, Jongno-gu, Seoul. This event has been organized since 2005 by a prominent fashion magazine in Korea with the intention of promoting awareness of breast cancer and the importance of early screening.
The event featured a lineup of famous celebrities, including BTS's V, Aespa's Karina, and IVE's Jang Won-young. The magazine's official SNS shared photos and videos of them enjoying music and drinks together.
Netizens reacted coldly. They questioned, “What does a social gathering of celebrities drinking together have to do with improving breast cancer awareness?” Many expressed confusion, stating, “I don’t see the connection to breast cancer awareness,” and “It’s a breast cancer-related event, yet no one talks about breast cancer.”
There was also controversy over song selection. When singer Jay Park performed his hit song ‘Body’, criticisms arose that the lyrics, which sexually reference a woman's body, were inappropriate for a breast cancer awareness campaign.
Ultimately, on the 16th, Jay Park posted on his SNS, “I apologize if any cancer patients felt uncomfortable or displeased by my performance,” and explained, “After the official breast cancer campaign event, the party and performance were meant for those gathered with good intentions, so I treated it like a regular performance.”
He added, “I performed for free with good intentions despite being injured. Please do not misuse that good intention,” and requested, “When I say don’t misuse it, I’m asking those who are trying to create issues from actions done with good intentions. Please do not misunderstand.”
In light of the controversy, the organizers have deleted the stage video and related posts of Jay Park from their official SNS.
[Lee Da-kyum, Star Today Reporter]
