'Attention Seeker' or 'New Woman'... Gangnam Bikini Woman Incident Sparks Widespread Controversy

Riding a Motorcycle in a Bikini Through Gangnam
Booked by Police for Excessive Exposure
"Same Context as 1960s Yoon Bok-hee's 'Miniskirt'... Wanted to Send a Message"

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Juri] The so-called 'Gangnam Bikini Woman,' who rode a motorcycle in a bikini around the Gangnam area of Seoul, has been booked by the police, sparking mixed reactions.

On the 18th, the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul booked influencer Im Green, known as the 'Gangnam Bikini Woman,' and the driver who rode with her, 'BOSS J' (a YouTuber), on charges of excessive exposure under the Minor Offenses Act. Previously, they stirred controversy by riding a motorcycle on Gangnam Boulevard while topless or wearing bikinis.

The Minor Offenses Act defines 'excessive exposure' as publicly exposing major parts of the body such as genitals or buttocks in a public place, causing discomfort to others.

Im Green's actions afterward also became a topic of interest. On her way to the police station for questioning, she appeared wearing a wedding dress. On the same day, she posted on her Instagram account, "'Gangnam Furious Driving' heading to police questioning," sharing footage of herself heading to the police station.

On the 28th, she appeared in Itaewon, greeting citizens on the street. Once again, BOSS J was topless, and Im Green was in a bikini.

Following the controversy, Im Green gave interviews to various media outlets. In an interview with Sunday Newspaper, she said, "When Yoon Bok-hee first appeared wearing a miniskirt in the 1960s, there was a strong opposition to miniskirts. At that time, the media called miniskirts 'traitors to the nation,' and the government cracked down on women wearing miniskirts. But now, no one calls women traitors for wearing them. I believe the miniskirt was a tool for expressing the suppressed female identity. The message of this bikini riding is the same."

Netizens' opinions on Im Green's actions are also divided. Some who heard the news reacted negatively, saying, "Is going to the police a joke?", "An attention seeker not worth caring about," and "Is she crazy?" Meanwhile, others responded, "She’s not harming anyone, so what’s the problem?", "I support her," and "It’s admirable to live with conviction."

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