Why are fans calling out W Korea over its Breast Cancer Awareness event?

On October 16, South Korean media reported that Fashion magazine W Korea is under fire for organizing an event aimed at increasing awareness of breast cancer, because the event was seen to be contrary of its defined goal.

Furthermore, W Korea has not yet released a comment on this matter, instead removed certain articles or is uploading other content. They exclusively posted pictures of celebrities drinking, dancing, and conversing on their social media pages.

Rather than addressing questions on breast cancer, the event organizers asked guests other questions. The debate continued with Jay Park performing his song MOMMAE, whose lyrics contradict the campaign's goal.

The majority of attendees at the ‘Love Your W’ donned black, in contrast to the majority of breast cancer events that have a pink ribbon or a pink attire as the dress code. Given that the total fundraiser over the previous 20 years has only been 1.1 billion won, labeling it as "the largest breast cancer awareness campaign event in Korea" also seemed a bit wrong to the online community.

Netizens reactions to W Korea Breast Cancer Awareness Event

An internet user shared their reaction on realizing that W Korea organized a Breast Cancer Awareness Event: “The difference in my reaction after finding out this wasn’t some party but instead an event for breast cancer awareness is radicalising me.”

Another netizen slammed the magazine emphasizing how there was no mention of breast cancer patients or survivors at the dedicated event: “Not one pink ribbon on sight, no comments on the main topic which is allegedly 'BREAST CANCER AWARNESS', not even a single mention about patients or survivors. Pure performative charity and hypocrisy in fancy clothing.”

An internet user called out Jay Bum Park for performing his song: "The lyrics of this song btw: 지금 소개받고 싶어 니 가슴에 달려있는 자매 "right now, I want to get introduced to your chest's twins" like are you serious @wkorea @JAYBUMAOM ??? are you raising awareness for breast cancer patients or mocking us???"

A netizen commented that the W Korea event was party disguised as charity: “PARTY UNDER THE DISGUISE OF CHARITY.”

Another internet user made a remark pointing out how alcohol increases risks of breast cancer: “You know what’s wild? Alcohol increases breast cancer risk, yet they showed up to a breast cancer awareness event and drank until they were tipsy. The lack of awareness is louder than the music they were dancing to.”

One of them demanded apology from fashion magazine for such act: “Shameless W Korea. How does a drinking party relate to a breast cancer awareness campaign? ?? You need to apologize.”

More about W Korea’s Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign

On October 15, W Korea's 'Love Your W' event took place at Seoul's Four Seasons Hotel. The event hosted many big names including K-pop stars such as BTS’ RM, Kim Taehyung, and J-Hope, as well as Aespa’s Winter and Karina, girl group KiiiKiii, members of MONSTA X and Stray Kids. Korean actors like Park Seojoon, Jung Haein, Byeon Wooseok, and more were also among the attendees.

The social media pages of the fashion magazine shared multiple videos of celebrities dancing and enjoying drinks at the Breast Cancer Awareness event.

While some blame rests on celebrities, the majority of backlash is directed at organizers for focusing on glamor over breast cancer awareness.

Also read: BTS' Jimin Honored for Years of Charitable Work in 2025 ‘The Givers 50’

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback