On February 17, a post capturing Kim Dong Wan’s comments on Threads was shared on DC Inside’s Shinhwa gallery. The screenshots quickly circulated in online communities.
In the captured post, Kim wrote:
“While they try to eliminate entertainment districts, the whole country is becoming one. Seeing entertainment venues in front of churches, schools and police stations makes me question things. We need to recognize it and deal with it. With the rise of single-person households, we can’t just ignore the reality and pretend that covering it up will solve the problem.”
One netizen responded in strong agreement, suggesting the introduction of a regulated system of red light districts, arguing that prostitution “can never disappear due to human nature” and therefore should be managed legally.
To this, Kim responded:
“Could you summarize it a little more briefly? About four lines?”
In another exchange, when another user expressed mixed feelings: claim that taxation could be beneficial, but question full legalization — Kim replied:
“The reason I believe it should be legalized is that there are people who can’t do it [engage in sex] without paying. It’s also a question of disease control.”
The candid remarks shocked many fans. Online reactions included comments such as:
- “Oh.”
- “He really went too far.”
- “This is the worst thing I’ve ever seen.”
- “Can’t that change in the new year?”
- “This is dizzying.”
Although Kim Dong Wan later deleted the post and reportedly closed his Threads account, the screenshots remain accessible via search engines.
On February 19, Kim published a lengthy statement criticizing what he described as growth “culture of hate” fueled by online anonymity.
He wrote:
“Anonymity once served a necessary role. There was a time when people needed a channel to speak openly. But it was meant to achieve power, not to amplify anger in a bamboo forest. When hatred towards certain countries and races is disguised as patriotism, people don’t feel guilty. Anonymity has become immunity.”
He further added:
“We need an era where words bring accountability. We need to seriously consider whether to leave anonymous boards as they are or introduce real-name verification and accountability systems.”
The controversy continues to divide public opinion, with some defending his argument as a political argument while others criticize the moral and social implications of his position.
Sources: Netizenbuzz
