Model and actress Jung Ho-yeon, Hwang Se-on, and model and broadcaster Kim Jin-kyung faced a barrage of negative comments from netizens after posting photos and videos of their trip to Okinawa, Japan, on social media around Liberation Day on August 15. Netizens criticized them, asking, “Did you really go on a trip to Japan on Liberation Day?” However, it turned out to be a misunderstanding.
According to reports from the entertainment industry on the 16th, Kim Jin-kyung posted photos taken at beaches, resorts, and restaurants in Okinawa on her Instagram on the 13th, while Jung Ho-yeon did the same on the 14th.
On the 16th, Hwang Se-on also uploaded a video on her Instagram story featuring the three of them together.
The trio’s Instagram accounts were soon flooded with critical comments. Netizens accused them of intentionally avoiding posting on the 15th while still being on a trip to Japan around Liberation Day, saying, “Did you have to travel to Japan specifically during Liberation Day?”
In response, Hwang Se-on clarified on her Instagram story that day, saying, “I want to clear up the misunderstanding. I’ve been in Korea since Monday of this week. I was busy working yesterday on Liberation Day as well.”
Netizens’ reactions were mixed. Some criticized the celebrities, saying, “Posting photos of a trip to Japan around Liberation Day shows a lack of thought.” However, others defended them, arguing, “Is scrutinizing celebrities’ social media and leaving hate comments really patriotic?” and “Only those who completely avoid consuming anything related to Japan should criticize.”
Every year, incidents of celebrities receiving hate comments for posting Japan-related content on social media around Liberation Day and March 1st continue to occur.
Previously, TXT’s Yeonjun was criticized after posting photos taken on a Japanese street on his social media on the 15th. He later apologized on the 16th, saying, “I was careless in not respecting the historical significance of Liberation Day when I uploaded the photos.”
Stray Kids’ Felix also issued an apology on the 15th after mentioning a Japanese anime challenge on a fan communication platform, saying, “I deeply reflect on my lack of historical awareness.”
