Im Young Woong Faces Backlash Amid DM Controversy as TV Chosun Highlights His Journey

Singer Im Young Woong has remained silent following the recent 'DM controversy,' but TV Chosun has chosen to spotlight his achievements with a special program titled 'The Birth of Trott Hero Im Young Woong.' On December 7, amidst nationwide protests calling for the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol, Im posted a birthday message for his dog on social media. This led to a netizen expressing disappointment over his lack of political commentary, stating, "While I don't expect you to speak out, it feels insensitive given the situation." The commenter further criticized Im, pointing out that his fanbase primarily consists of individuals in their 50s and 60s who have experienced martial law in the past.

In response to the criticism, Im Young Woong questioned, "Am I a politician? Why should I speak out?" This reaction has drawn further scrutiny, especially given the current political climate. On December 9, the podcast 'Mae Bul Show' publicly criticized him, with poet and cultural critic Kim Gap-soo stating, "To remain neutral during a martial law situation is akin to saying, 'Isn't it possible that a massacre could happen?'" He emphasized that Im's dismissive attitude reflects a lack of civic awareness, which can be subject to criticism.

However, it remains unclear whether the DM in question was genuine or if the response attributed to Im Young Woong was accurate, as both he and his agency have chosen to remain silent on the matter. His fans are also taking a wait-and-see approach, citing uncertainty over the authenticity of the DM.

Despite the ongoing silence from Im Young Woong and his agency, TV Chosun aired a year-end special program titled 'Miss & Mister Trot: A Journey Through Memories' on December 10, focusing on the theme 'The Birth of Trott Hero Im Young Woong.' The program aims to highlight his evolution into a modern cultural icon beyond just the trot genre.

Following the broadcast, TV Chosun showcased a medley of Im Young Woong's performances under the title 'The Birth of Trott Hero Im Young Woong,' accompanied by the subtitle 'Vocalist Beyond Genres.' This prompted mixed reactions from netizens, with comments such as, "TV Chosun, be aware of the timing," and "It feels premature to showcase Im Young Woong's videos without hearing his side first." Many are calling for confirmation regarding the authenticity of the DM attributed to him.