South Korean comedian Park Mi-sun, 58, who is undergoing treatment for breast cancer, has apologized after a social-media group-buy promotion for a blueberry juice product drew criticism.
On the 22nd, Park shared a handwritten note on her Instagram, writing, “I was short-sighted.” She added, “Through this incident, I felt again, very acutely, that as a patient fighting cancer I still have so much I don’t know.” Park pledged to “learn more and act more carefully,” saying she will focus on her health and return in better shape.
On the 20th, she had introduced a group purchase of a blueberry juice concentrate, explaining that eating well felt crucial while she was ill but that picking the right products was harder than expected. After the post, some commenters voiced concern that juice-type products could be burdensome for people undergoing cancer treatment.
Park initially replied in the comments that she believed blueberries were beneficial and thanked fans for their concern, continuing with the group buy. She also urged fellow patients to consult their doctors before making any decisions.
As debate grew over the influence celebrities can have when mixing personal health narratives with product promotions, Park ultimately issued an apology, acknowledging that a patient’s individual experience could be misconstrued as broader health guidance.
Park halted broadcast activities in December of last year for health reasons and recently revealed her breast cancer diagnosis for the first time on tvN’s "You Quiz on the Block." Her chemotherapy has concluded; she is currently on medication therapy and has been sharing her treatment and recovery journey on her YouTube channel. She also documented shaving her head, saying she wanted to show that it’s possible to live brightly even while sick, which drew widespread support.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)