Shinhwa member Kim Dong-wan. Kyunghyang Shinmun file photo

Kim Dong-wan, a member of Shinhwa, shared his thoughts on comedian Lee Su-ji’s satirical content about kindergarten teachers.

On the 15th, on his social networking service (SNS), Kim wrote, “Lee Su-ji’s kindergarten teacher content may simply have laid bare the contradiction of expecting things without respecting educators.”

He continued, “It seems to have offended more people than expected. The very word ‘discipline’ is becoming increasingly sensitive, and the field has been increasingly shrinking,” and, “In the trend where small social experiences such as sports days, picnics, and school trips are disappearing or being scaled back, the relationships and conflicts that children need to learn are instead being pushed outside.”

He then added, “Unless the authority of educators is protected, the necessary education and educators may gradually disappear.”

Kim Dong-wan has recently continued to speak out on social media. This has sparked debate.

In September last year, he pushed back against casting practices in the broadcasting industry, writing on social media, “I would prefer that variety show casting offers stop coming. I am not confident about being funny, and I also do not wish to bring real stories before the public.”

In January, targeting the low-birthrate discourse, he wrote, “Rather than pointless worries about the birthrate, I would like people to look first at the youth suicide rate.” The media reported this as a “stinging rebuke,” and it drew empathy from young people.

In February, he faced backlash after posting a piece mentioning the legalization of prostitution. After deactivating his account, on March 21 he publicly expressed support for MC Dingdong, who had apologized over an assault controversy, and he again faced criticism.