Lim Young-woong Addresses ‘What’ Incident “Sorry for Causing Concern” — Can He Reclaim His Title as ‘Nation’s Son-in-Law’?
While not a direct apology, his words were seen as a form of indirect acknowledgment and regret.
Lim Young-woong finally spoke up during the first night of his solo concert “Lim Young-woong RE:CITAL”, held on Dec 27 at Gocheok Sky Dome in Guro-gu, Seoul.
He commented, “I’m sorry for causing concern and worry. I am a person who sings, and I aim to bring joy, comfort and happiness through my music. I’ll strive to come back better and more improved.”
This statement comes 20 days after the “What” controversy. The controversy began on Dec 7 when Lim Young-woong posted photos with his dog Siwol, celebrating its birthday with the caption, “Happy birthday to our Siwol.” However, a netizen criticized Lim Young-woong for his apparent indifference to the current political situation and sent him a direct message, which ignited the debate.
According to sources, the message was sent by a PD who previously worked on “SNL Korea” and “The Ultimate Watchlist”. The PD criticized Lim Young-woong’s post, saying, “What are you doing in times like these?” The PD added, “The whole nation is uniting over the impeachment of a president who declared martial law unconstitutionally. Aren’t they your main audience?” Lim Young-woong responded with a short reply “What?”, prompting the PD to reply further, “Think about what sane people would think when they see your trivial daily life posts.”
The controversy quickly spread, sparking mixed reactions from the public and netizens. Some criticized Lim Young-woong’s post as careless given the current political climate, while others defended his right as a celebrity to refrain from making political statements. The PD’s blunt remarks only fueled the debate.
This issue gained even more attention as it coincided with the president’s public address and the rejection of a crucial parliamentary vote. With filmmakers and entertainers increasingly taking political stances, Lim Young-woong’s attitude has drawn intense scrutiny. While some argue that Lim Young-woong should use his platform to address societal issues, others emphasize the importance of respecting a celebrity’s choice to remain apolitical.
Meanwhile, Lim Young-woong is set to hold his “Lim Young-woong RE:CITAL” concert at Gocheok Sky Dome from Dec 27 to Jan 4.