The fashion magazine ‘W Korea’, which advocates for breast cancer awareness, is facing criticism for turning its charity event into a provocative party. Actress Eun-bin Park has attracted attention for her contrasting action by leaving the event early.
On the 15th, ‘Love Your W 2025’ held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Jongno-gu, Seoul, was a charity event with the purpose of raising awareness for breast cancer. It drew attention with a star-studded lineup including BTS members RM, V, J-Hope, actress Lee Young-ae, Ko Hyun-jung, Lim Soo-jung, Park Eun-bin, IVE Zhang Wonyoung, aespa’s Karina, NMIXX’s Sullyoon, and ITZY’s Yuna.
However, the videos and photos released from the event resembled a ‘luxury party’ rather than a charity. Attendees were seen drinking champagne and dancing under bright lights, and revealing dresses and provocative music were highlighted. Not a single person wore the pink ribbon symbolizing breast cancer awareness. Instead, scenes of people clinking glasses and shouting ‘cheers’ were shared on SNS, and singer Jay Park’s performance of the song ‘MOMMAE’, which describes women’s bodies explicitly, sparked major controversy.
Especially after Jay Park’s performance, celebrities invited to the event were seen dancing to the song or smiling while enjoying themselves, which was posted on the official account. Criticisms that it seemed to mock breast cancer patients poured in, and the event was condemned as an ‘adults-only party’ forgetting its original purpose. Breast cancer patients and their families expressed anger, saying, “Breast cancer is a disease that involves losing one’s breast, but this event made it a subject of sexual consumption.”
Park Eun-bin, who attended the event, did not stay long. In a live broadcast conducted from her vehicle after the event, she commented with a subtle nuance, “I’m hastily going home after the W event. I’ve had a good view. Leaving well. Whew.” She added, “The atmosphere was good, so everyone seemed to enjoy it. I’m just tasting the atmosphere and heading home.” Netizens reacted by saying, “As expected of Park Eun-bin,” and “She seemed to notice the strange event atmosphere and left early.”
However, some fans drew the line, saying, “Park Eun-bin usually goes home immediately after her schedule, so don’t misunderstand.” Nonetheless, her prudent attitude is being praised as a ‘graceful exit’ amidst the controversy.
W Korea explained that it has been carrying out the ‘breast cancer awareness campaign’ for 20 years, but the actual accumulated donation amount was only 1.1 billion won. It is contrasted with the Korea Breast Health Foundation’s ‘Pink Run’, which has raised an accumulated 4.2 billion won, adding to the criticism that it is an event with only nominal value.
The organizer has not made any official statement three days after the event. In contrast, singer Jay Park explained, “I performed for free at the party held after the official campaign event with good intentions,” but the explanation is pointed out to be more of an excuse than an apology.
This incident has become an opportunity to question what ‘glamorous events’ in the name of charity and awareness improvement should truly mean. There are increasing voices calling for a breast cancer campaign that conveys a genuine social message.
