W Korea<\/em>\u2019s long-running \u201cLove Your W\u201d campaign. \u201cWe deeply apologize for failing to carefully consider the perspective of breast cancer patients and their families, and for causing discomfort and distress,\u201d the statement read.<\/p>\nThe magazine explained that the campaign, launched in 2006, has aimed to raise awareness about early detection of breast cancer over the past two decades. However, it acknowledged that Wednesday\u2019s event drew criticism for being inappropriate in content and execution relative to the campaign\u2019s original purpose. \u201cWe also regret that many who participated in good faith and supported the campaign\u2019s goals may have been affected by the controversy,\u201d the apology continued. \u201cWe are reflecting on our shortcomings, especially thinking of those who were disheartened by the event.\u201d<\/p>\n
Online criticism erupted almost immediately. Comments ranged from \u201cHow does having celebrities sing and laugh raise awareness for breast cancer?\u201d to \u201cThey should have just donated the money,\u201d and \u201cThis was nothing more than a celebrity cocktail party.\u201d Critics also noted that none of the participants wore pink ribbons, the global symbol of breast cancer awareness and prevention.<\/p>\n
\n<\/blockquote>\nThe controversy intensified after singer Jay Park<\/strong> performed his song \u201cMommae\u201d onstage. The sexually explicit lyrics \u2014 including lines such as \u201cI don\u2019t know what our relationship is, but I want to get introduced to the twin sisters hanging on your chest\u201d \u2014 were widely criticized as inappropriate for an awareness event. Park issued his own apology on Instagram on Thursday: \u201cI apologize if any cancer patients were offended by my performance.\u201d<\/p>\nIn response to the backlash, W Korea<\/em> has deleted all photos and videos of the event from its Instagram account. The magazine also faced scrutiny over donations raised for the cause. According to Rep. Lee Soo-jin<\/strong> of the Democratic Party, documents from the Ministry of Health and<\/p>\nWelfare indicate that W Korea<\/em> donated a total of 315.69 million won ($222,000) to the Korea Breast Cancer Foundation between 2007 and 2024.<\/p>\nW Korea<\/em> clarified that the donation totals include corporate contributions made directly to the foundation through participation in the event, which may not have been counted in the reported total. The magazine stated that the cumulative donations from 2006 to 2024 actually amount to 960 million won, with an additional 150 million won expected this year \u2014 bringing the 20-year total to 1.1 billion won. W Korea<\/em> also noted that from 2007 to 2009, it donated roughly 130 million won to the Seoul branch of the Planned Population Federation of Korea.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n