When the Itaewon Cluster Infection Broke Out, Hong Seokcheon Faced Backlash

As the cluster infection of the novel coronavirus spreads at Itaewon clubs, some netizens are calling on broadcaster Hong Seok-cheon to speak out. Photo by Hong Seok-cheon Instagram capture

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kang Juhee] As the cluster infection of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) spreads at Itaewon clubs, some netizens are demanding broadcaster Hong Seokcheon to speak out.

On the 11th, Hong Seokcheon's Instagram was flooded with comments from netizens asking, "Why are you silent?" regarding the Itaewon club cluster infection incident.

One netizen wrote, "You criticized religious people and church facilities, so why are you quiet about the Itaewon infection incident? A word from Hong Seokcheon has influence."

Another netizen said, "I heard you told people to refrain from churches and gatherings, but what do you think about the fact that confirmed cases visited not only general clubs but also clubs frequented by gays?" and added, "Shincheonji and churches have been frequently mentioned and criticized in the media, but don't you have anything to say to the general public and gays who visit clubs these days?"

In addition, similar comments appeared on Hong Seokcheon's Instagram posts, and Hong Seokcheon responded by deleting comments.

On the other hand, there are reactions such as, "Why should Hong Seokcheon make a statement? Is he the only one who criticized religious people and church facilities? Why is it that only Hong Seokcheon is asked to make a statement? Does being gay mean he has an obligation to make a statement every time such an incident occurs?"

Photo by Hong Seokcheon, Instagram capture

Earlier, Hong Seokcheon strongly criticized some churches that insisted on weekend worship while practicing social distancing and the members of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony, where a cluster infection occurred.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.