Amid the controversy of Chaeyoung and Jeon Somi exposing their underwear in a photo booth, the K-media explained the reason it's problematic and why they're looking into the case seriously.
Fans Defend Chaeyoung, Jeon Somi + Double Standard Between Male & Female Idols Brought Up
On April 1, the TWICE member shared photos with Jeon Somi on her Instagram as they celebrated their 11-year friendship. The two have known each other since their trainee days under JYP Entertainment.
In the photos, they were seen strolling on the streets and some were taken inside a photo booth. They made their fans smile with their quirky poses and colorful wigs, but the mood turned sour after they exposed their body and underwear in a now-deleted photo.
The duo received massive backlash, but their fans took their sides and explained that it was most likely that Chaeyoung only accidentally shared it publicly, when it only meant for them to see it.
Also, fans criticized hateful comments calling their act "indecent," and highlighted the double standard between male and female idols. They emphasized that people would likely admire male idols if they were the ones who showed some skin.
K-Media Explains Why It's Big Deal to Address Jeon Somi, TWICE Chaeyoung Photo
ALSO READ : TWICE Chaeyoung & Jeon Somi Shock Fans By Lifting Their Shirts In THIS Photo + Stir Mixed Reactions
On April 3, various news outlets gave further explanations as to why Jeon Somi and TWICE Chaeyoung are being criticized for what they did.
While there was no problem with showing their undergarment, the main concern from their act was the alarming rate of "overexposure photography" inside an unmanned photo booth.
Most of the photo booths in South Korea are usually not supervised; thus, the absence of managers encouraged this behavior.
"Photo booth owners are having a hard time receiving complaints from other customers due to this behavior. Store owners are in a difficult situation as they cannot restrict the number of customers by putting up a sign saying 'no explicit photos.'"
An average of 13 complaints are being received per store in a month, and there was even a case where a man who thought there was no one inside was accused of being a sex offender after witnessing a woman taking revealing photos inside the photo booth.
Under the Criminal Act, there is no such law that could punish it, but parents are complaining that their minor children may be encouraged to do this, especially that TWICE Chaeyoung and Jeon Somi are both public figures.
As a result, K-netizens are urging them to act responsibly as role models and rather use this opportunity to spread public awareness regarding this issue. There are also people hoping that through them, related laws and regulations will be strengthened.
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Written by Eunice Dela Cruz
