'Tattoo Act' Ryu Ho-jeong "Apologize to those hurt... Tried to inform the public with accessible content"

Ryu Ho-jeong, a Justice Party lawmaker, urged participation by announcing a Blue House petition posted by the victim of illegal filming in the singer Jung Joon-young case at the National Assembly Communication Office in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 12th of last month. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Soyoung] Ryu Hojung, a member of the Justice Party, apologized for citing BTS while introducing the 'Tattoo Industry Act' bill.

On the morning of the 10th, Ryu appeared on MBC Radio's 'Kim Jongbae's Focus' and said, "When it comes to a bill, the terms inside are unfamiliar, so I wanted to promote the bill in a more everyday and popular way, but if anyone was hurt, I want to apologize."

Regarding why she posted a photo of BTS member Jungkook, she said, "I think it is anachronistic that tattoo artists designing, performing, and managing tattoos are considered illegal acts," adding, "I saw that when famous celebrities appeared on broadcasts, their tattoos were covered with bandages or adhesive tape, and I realized that tattoos are illegal anyway. I didn't like that."

She continued, "Although I have not done any activities that would qualify me as an ARMY (BTS fandom), as a fan supporting BTS as artists, I also disliked that their artistic expressions were restricted."

Regarding protests saying "Don't use artists politically," Ryu said, "Politics is actually closely related to our lives, but the word 'political' is perceived negatively, which I think is the result of politicians failing to build trust over time, so I felt sorry."

She also said, "On the other hand, I understand that some fans protested to advertisers and broadcasters asking why Jungkook's tattoos were being covered," adding, "I know many fans cherish the fact that the fan club name ARMY and other things are tattooed and valued together."

When asked by the host whether she plans to remove the photo, she replied, "There are various opinions about the photo," and added, "Some fans who support the Tattoo Industry Act hope that the artist's individuality can be well expressed. I hope to have an opportunity to explain the Tattoo Industry Act," without giving a definite answer.

On the 8th, Ryu Ho-jeong, a Justice Party lawmaker, introduced the "Tattoo Industry Act" bill, citing a photo of BTS member Jungkook. Photo by Ryu Ho-jeong, Justice Party lawmaker, Facebook capture.

Earlier on the 8th, Ryu posted on her Facebook, sharing a photo of BTS member Jungkook's hand with adhesive tape attached, along with the message "Remove the bandages from BTS's body."

This led to protest comments such as "Do not use artists politically without their consent," and "Please take down the word BTS and Jungkook's photo."

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