Singer and actor Yang Dong Geun has publicly responded to criticism over alleged political associations, stating that he had no political intentions and expressing his frustration with the backlash.
On August 2, Yang posted a message on Instagram that read, “I was a fool to believe. Go ahead, be disappointed and curse at me. You have that freedom. But should I really go as far as to take my own life?” The message was accompanied by a photo of himself smiling with the word "idiot" written across his face in Korean and a drawing of a middle finger on his hand. The post appeared to reflect his anger over the controversy that erupted the previous day.
The criticism began after Yang appeared at a youth summer camp held on July 30 in Busan, hosted by Saegero Church. He performed on stage with K-Spirit, a Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) group he is part of. After sharing a video of the event and describing it as “a grace-filled time,” his participation drew attention due to the political reputation of the event’s organizer.
The church’s pastor, Son Hyun Bo, is known for supporting former President Yoon’s proposed December 3 martial law declaration and for leading rallies against the former president’s impeachment. These associations led to accusations that Yang was aligning himself with controversial political views.
In response, Yang’s agency issued a statement on August 1 clarifying that his involvement was based solely on religious belief. “There was no political intention whatsoever. He has no personal relationship with the church or the pastor,” the agency explained.
Yang Dong Geun's blunt response highlights the challenges artists face in navigating public perception, particularly when religion and politics intersect in the public eye.
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