Ryu Jun Yeol Exposed for Pretending to Care for the Environment

On March 23rd, Herald Pop posted an article titled “Ryu Jun Yeol isn’t to blame… Arctic Bear Population on the Rise.” The article delved into the uproar surrounding Ryu Jun Yeol’s purported “greenwashing.” 

Despite his role as an ambassador for the Green Peace Organization and involvement in various campaigns advocating for the protection of Arctic bears, he’s been engaging in activities harmful to the environment. Following the transit love controversy involving Hyeri and Han So Hee and the revelation of his eco-unfriendly hobbies, Ryu Jun Yeol’s ambassadorial status is now under review.

Herald Pop referenced a report by the Global Warming Policy Foundation (GWPF) released in February 2023. According to the report, the Arctic bear population has seen a significant increase, with an estimated 12,000 individuals in the 1960s ballooning to around 32,000 by 2023. 

Contrary to expectations, there’s been no evidence suggesting a decline in the Arctic bear population due to habitat loss, and the summer sea ice in the Arctic hasn’t notably decreased since 2007.

Herald Pop concluded that the Arctic bear population is on the rise and Ryu Jun Yeol’s actions haven’t adversely affected the environment. This article seems to subtly critique Ryu Jun Yeol amidst the ongoing controversy. 

However, some argue that it’s a form of “whitewashing,” aimed at helping the actor rebuild his positive image after recent controversies.

Many have criticized Ryu Jun Yeol for being cowardly, shying away from the public eye, and avoiding personal statements, instead relying on media-play articles to gloss over his image. Previously, he faced harsh criticism for allegedly fabricating close sources to compete with rumors about Hyeri’s relationships.

After Han So Hee faced public backlash, Ryu Jun Yeol’s career also suffered setbacks. The actor found himself embroiled in accusations of being a “hypocrite” whose actions don’t align with his words. 

Despite claiming to love the environment, he’s seen enjoying golf—a sport known for its environmental impact. He’s also been observed frequently using single-use plastic items and carrying bags made from non-leather materials.

Early in his career, Ryu Jun Yeol claimed to prioritize acting over monetary gain. However, by 2021, he was exposed by Dispatch for his involvement in real estate speculation. Despite proudly stating, “I can’t go out without a camera and a book,” and claiming to wake up at 5 a.m. to read, the actor appeared ignorant when asked about Hermann Hesse, responding with, “I don’t know who Hermann Hesse is.”

On March 22nd, representatives from Greenpeace announced they would reassess Ryu Jun Yeol’s role as a promotional ambassador after seven years of collaboration. 

A Greenpeace representative stated, “We’re reviewing the sponsors’ requests on this issue. One of Greenpeace’s missions is to amplify the voices of the people to promote positive environmental changes within governments and businesses. In light of this opportunity, we’ll review and discuss internal regulations related to our ambassadors.”

Source: K14