Kwon Mina, a former member of the group AOA, revealed that her older sister is a breast cancer patient and criticized the drinking party held during the recent 'Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign' event.
On the 19th, Kwon Mina shared on her SNS, "Our father passed away from pancreatic cancer, and my sister has been living in anxiety for years due to breast cancer."
She continued, "It was discovered at stage 3, and she had to undergo major surgery, lost all her hair during chemotherapy, and the side effects caused her to gain weight, with treatment costs being enormous. Pancreatic cancer is a type of cancer that is very difficult to treat unless a miracle happens, but some people seem to think that breast cancer can be easily treated if detected early."
She said, "Even though I haven't experienced it myself, just watching from the side is so hard, heartbreaking, and sad. If they truly cared about breast cancer patients and thought about their families, such a drinking party (W Korea breast cancer campaign) would never have been held."
Kwon Mina added, "I feel that the act of donating, regardless of the amount, is commendable, but seeing the title 'breast cancer' in such glamorous, beautiful, and joyful photos made me uncomfortable and distressed. I don't know what right I have to say anything, but cancer patients and their families are hurt by even the smallest things. Please understand that."
Earlier, W Korea held the 20th Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign 'Love Your W 2025' at the Four Seasons Hotel in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 15th. Many stars attended, including V, RM, and J-Hope (BTS), Karina (aespa), Jang Won-young (IVE), and actors Ko Hyun-jung, Lee Young-ae, Byun Woo-seok, Choo Young-woo, and Lee Chae-min. During this process, their drinking and dancing were highlighted, leading to criticism that it did not align with the campaign's purpose.
In particular, singer Jay Park became the center of controversy for performing his hit song 'Body' in a rather intense manner at the event.
As the controversy continued, W Korea issued an apology, stating, "We apologize for causing discomfort and hurt to breast cancer patients and their families. We are truly sorry to those who participated with good intentions."
They continued, "Over the years, the core of this campaign has been to raise awareness about the importance of early detection of breast cancer and to support low-income patients with surgery costs, with the support of those who have shown warm interest in these activities. We promise to closely review the entire process of the event based on various criticisms and suggestions to ensure that their heartfelt intentions do not lose their shine."
[Ji Seung-hoon, Star Today Reporter]
