Her actions convey a resolve to express sincere condolences while upholding freedom of expression.
On January 1, Yoo shared on her social media, “As someone born in Gwangju, with family still residing there, this year-end feels especially heavy for me. I hope this small gesture of condolence can offer some comfort. Wishing everyone a happy year-end.”
She also posted a record of her donation through the Korean Red Cross.
At the same time, Yoo expressed gratitude for the love she received over the year, writing, “Thank you for the overwhelming support. I know there may have been times where I didn’t meet expectations or caused disappointment. I promise to keep striving to do better. I’m thankful to those who simply keep up with what I’m doing. I’ll work harder to give back as the best version of myself.”
Earlier, Yoo Hye Won shared a screenshot of a direct message (DM) criticizing her actions.
According to the screenshot, a netizen questioned, “Did you post the condolence story just for your image? Does it make sense to upload selfies and talk about enjoying a drama during this time?”
This criticism stemmed from Yoo’s previous posts, where she announced a schedule change for her promotions out of respect for the tragedy. She wrote “To join in the mourning period, I’ve agreed with the company to adjust my schedule. I deeply mourn all those who lost their lives in the tragedy”, adding a prayer emoji and a mourning image.
However, about three hours later, Yoo posted a selfie video captioned “Selfie cat makeup”, followed by a post about enjoying a drama, stating, “Ah, it’s cringy but fun.” This seemingly contradictory behavior prompted the DM.
In response to the criticism, Yoo commented, “Everyone has their own way of mourning, and it doesn’t have to be constantly expressed on SNS. I also feel heavy-hearted, but does this kind of feedback need to come through DMs?”
Yoo Hye Won, who has acting experience in web dramas, has been involved in multiple dating rumors with former BIGBANG member Seungri (real name Lee Seung-hyun) since 2018. Neither side has denied these rumors, leading many to believe they were in a relationship.
However, Yoo denied rumors linking her to basketball player Heo Ung in June, calling them “completely groundless”.
Meanwhile, Seungri was cited as a key figure at the Club Burning Sun Gate in 2019, and was handed over to trial on nine charges, including violations of special laws on prostitution, prostitution, sexual violence, habitual gambling, foreign exchange transaction, food hygiene, embezzlement in office and aggravated punishment for specific economic crime. In May 2022, the Supreme Court sentenced him to one year and six months in prison. Seungri, who was on trial during enlistment at the time, was transferred to a private prison after the confirmation of his sentence and was released on February 9th, 2023.
Source: Daum