A breast cancer awareness fundraiser meant to spotlight early detection is drawing backlash, with critics saying the star-packed night looked more like a celebrity party than a cause-driven event.
On Oct. 15, W Korea hosted the 20th Love Your W Breast Cancer Awareness Charity Gala at the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, attracting a glittering guest list that included BTS members V, J-HOPE and RM, plus aespa’s KARINA and IVE’s JANGWONYOUNG.
Launched in 2006, Love Your W is W Korea’s annual campaign aimed at boosting breast cancer awareness and underscoring the importance of early screening.
Online, some accused the gathering of prioritizing drinks and networking over advocacy, arguing the night’s vibe undercut the message it was supposed to amplify.
According to W Korea, the campaign has donated a cumulative 1.1 billion won to breast cancer organizations over 20 years through event proceeds and other contributions. Still, the total struck some as underwhelming given the gala’s size and star power.
The conversation intensified when Jay Park performed his hit “MOMMAE” at the after-party―a moment shared by the organizers themselves. Critics said the track’s sexually suggestive, body-focused lyrics felt tone-deaf for an event centered on breast cancer awareness.
The next day, Jay Park posted an apology on social media, explaining he understood the after-party performance to be for attendees who had gathered with good intentions after the official program. “If any cancer patients felt uncomfortable or offended by my performance, I’m sorry,” he wrote.
He added that he was injured at the time and performed pro bono: “Please don’t twist the intent behind doing something with a good heart.” He clarified that his plea was aimed at those trying to stir controversy, not at fans or patients.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)