A growing number of male celebrities are facing criticism over sexually suggestive content on their social media, drawing public backlash and tarnishing their images.
Most recently, on April 13th KST, actor Nam Yoon Soo came under fire after reposting an image featuring a balloon sculpture that explicitly depicted female genitalia. He quickly deleted the post but not before it sparked outrage online.
Nam later addressed the issue via a fan communication platform, stating, “I was driving and didn’t realize what had been reposted. I thought my account had been hacked. Fans informed me, and I took it down right away.” As the controversy failed to die down, he followed up with a formal apology, saying, “I deeply regret and apologize for the discomfort caused by the post that went up without my knowledge. I’ll be more careful moving forward.”
Nam’s case joins a series of similar controversies involving male actors in recent months.
In December 2023, actor Park Sung Hoon posted a parody of 'Squid Game' styled like an adult video cover, which he later deleted. His agency claimed he was trying to flag the image to the company while checking direct messages but accidentally posted it instead. Despite the explanation, public criticism was intense, leading to his removal from the upcoming series 'Tyrant’s Chef'.
Likewise, actor Kim Sung Cheol was embroiled in controversy this February after engaging with a poll on a social media account known for objectifying female idols through slow-motion videos focusing on their body parts. His agency claimed he was unaware of the account’s content and canceled his participation as soon as he realized, offering an apology to anyone who might have been hurt.
These incidents highlight a recurring issue: celebrities using social media to engage with or unintentionally promote sexually explicit content—something that alienates their largely female fanbase and undermines their public image.
Cultural critic Ha Jae Geun commented, “Depending on intent, these acts may not be illegal, but they can certainly influence young fans negatively. Celebrities need to take greater responsibility in managing their social media presence.”
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