Greenpeace Criticized For Covering Ryu Jun-yeol for “Greenwashing Controversy”

On April 11th, international environmental organization Greenpeace told TV Report, “Becoming our ambassador is a volunteer work based on personal goodwill,” adding, “The ambassador is a supporter who has continued to pay attention to environmental issues.”

Regarding the controversy over “greenwashing” surrounding Ryu Jun-yeol, the organization took a cautious stance, saying, “Greenpeace is an international environmental organization whose foremost mission is to respond to the climate crisis,” adding, “We oppose to companies and governments launching activities and “washing” brand image through sports that negatively affect the climate crisis.” Although it opposes the negative impact of certain sports on the climate crisis, the organization has limited it to actions by companies and governments and expressed reluctance to mention its ambassador Ryu Jun-yeol’s “love for golf.”

Regarding its previous announcement of “reviewing bylaws related to our public relations ambassador,” Greenpeace drew a line, saying, “We need to check (whether it is under review).” Greenpeace said, “We will do our best to conduct campaign activities by reflecting the various voices of our sponsors.”

Ryu Jun-yeol has been known as an environmental activist participating in the Greenpeace campaign since 2016. In particular, he has been at the forefront of promoting the seriousness of climate disasters and was selected as the first East Asian ambassador of Greenpeace in April last year. However, as rumors of Ryu’s “transit love” scandal broke out, there were voices pointing out his “greenwashing” allegations. Ryu Jun-yeol was pointed out to be a golf enthusiast while golf is considered a sport that has a negative impact on the environment. This controversy over “greenwashing” spread to Greenpeace, some of whose sponsors even said they would stop sponsoring if the organization does not disqualify him. Greenpeace said in its official statement, “We are checking sponsors’ inquiries about this incident. We will take this opportunity to review and discuss bylaws related to the ambassador.”