Recently, a BBC report on the Burning Sun scandal caused a stir on social media, becoming a hot topic that has garnered extensive media coverage. Notably, Seungri was featured in numerous videos and exposed for frightening aspects within the scandal. Following the viral report, netizens have been continuously uncovering inappropriate clips and statements made by Seungri during his time in K-pop.
On May 25, a video of the interaction between Seungri and Kim Se Jeong on the show Salty Tour from August 2018 suddenly went viral on social media. In the program, Seungri, Jung Joon Young, Kim Se Jeong, and other guests gathered for dinner and conversation. In the midst of the gathering, Seungri unexpectedly suggested that Kim Se Jeong pour beer for the most attractive male guest: “Se Jeong, you’ve joined Salty Tour, haven’t you… There are 5 more men here. Forget their fame, status, and wealth. Based on their appearance, personality, and style, pour beer for the one you find most attractive today.” Seungri’s action made Kim Se Jeong uncomfortable, as she awkwardly smiled and asked, “What is this?” but still complied as the show was being filmed.
In Korean culture, men often ask women to pour drinks for them at bars. This action also implies that the person pouring has a lower status than the person being served. Because of this, Seungri has faced heavy criticism for appearing to disrespect Kim Se Jeong and treating her like a bar hostess.
Seungri has had several instances in the past where he lost favor with women. Six years ago, he was suspected of spreading false rumors about Jennie from BLACKPINK, which led her to personally clarify the situation in front of thousands of fans. Jennie boldly confronted Seungri when he was a guest at BLACKPINK’s 2018 concert: “I heard that you said I touched your shoulder backstage. But I never did that.”
-“I would’ve been uncomfortable to death if I was Kim Sejeong. Why is he forcing her to do that?”
-“He’s been on broadcast for over 10 years now. Seriously, it’s either that he’s thoughtless or naïve”
-“I took this from another post talking about this incident and it seems like even the Bigbang fans aren’t shielding this. They are all asking Seungri to give some feedback about the situation on his Instagram.”
-“He’s really bad at keeping up with the generation shift… just read the lyrics to his new song. He should study a bit about female discrimination”
