Kim Young Kwang
Body shaming is a huge issue in South Korea, with healthy-looking people already being criticized for looking overweight.
A 2016 national survey revealed that over 60% of Korean women and 41% of men either were or wanted to go on a diet.
It gets even worse when these toxic views are shared among the stars who should be role models for others.
Kim Young Kwang got asked in an interview about what kind of physical appearance he dislikes.
He answered:
“I hate anyone that looks pathetic. Anyone that looks like Sung Joon, I don’t mind if they show up without their hair washed or something but when someone whose physical appearance I don’t like shows up like that, I don’t even want to look at them.”
He also distastefully added:
“I hate thick calves!”
This was not his whole statement as he continued to express his opinion on people’s looks: “Whether they be a male or female, I like them to be pretty. I know that it’s not necessary to say things like this but I’ll look at someone’s physical appearance and say, “I don’t like that person. I don’t think they’ll match me.” Then my friends will be like, “Hyung, you’re really mean, you know that?”
He dug himself a grave so deep that he had no other choice but to apologize after he faced a huge backlash from netizens.
He said:
“I’m sorry for disappointing those that have loved and supported me. Unlike my intentions, a part of my interview has brought about some misunderstandings that have both shocked and upset me.”
But this is not his first body shaming rodeo, as in another interview he expressed his distaste for women with “thick thighs and short legs wear skinny jeans. Or those that wear leggings and a miniskirt and sit with their legs spread open on the subway… I sincerely ask those people to stop.”
Do you think it is okay to speak this way?
