Kim Ji-min Instagram capture.

The controversy over the leak of private SNS posts by influencer Kim Ji-min, an alum of ‘Heart Signal 4’, is spreading by the day. In particular, after misogynistic expressions aimed at her mother were made public, criticism from netizens has poured in.

On the 6th, online communities and social media saw the spread of Story posts that Kim had shared only with some acquaintances. The posts sparked backlash for containing political remarks leaning somewhat toward the ‘far right’, including defending martial law.

Kim Ji-min said, “The top 10% feed the 90%, so in the end everyone becomes poor; that is the Communist Party! No matter how damn hard you work to earn won, it is hopeless. My husband who brings in dollars is the best.”

Currently in a long-distance relationship with a boyfriend who works at Tesla, Kim did not hide her affection. She wrote, “Looks like there will be a ceremony to show off the first diamond of my life. When you meet the right man, there are so many firsts,” revealing a diamond gift. She also flaunted a Chanel item, saying, “I love it so much; I am happy. When a woman meets the right man, this is what happens.”

Kim Ji-min Instagram capture.

However, the biggest controversy was a messenger conversation with her mother. According to the disclosed exchange, when Kim said she had paid for a meal while traveling to the United States to see her boyfriend, her mother took her side, essentially saying, “You went all that way; shouldn’t the boyfriend be the one to pay?”

Kim, however, replied to her mother, “Mom, are you ‘kimchi’?” and “tsk tsk, Mom is ‘kimchi’.” ‘Kimchi-nyeo’ is known as a misogynistic slur that disparages women who do not do ‘Dutch pay’ with men and who are said to be extravagant.

Unaware of the term’s meaning, her mother asked, “Does ‘kimchi’ mean an old-time housewife?” Kim responded without further explanation, “Sorry?”

Online reactions included, “While she herself boasts diamonds and Chanel, she calls her mom a ‘kimchi’,” “She bragged about what her boyfriend bought her and mocked her mother,” “How can she talk to her mother like that?” and “Her words and actions are so contradictory.”

Meanwhile, regarding the recent controversy over leaked SNS posts, Kim posted an apology and acknowledged that some of the posts were indeed written by her. However, she stated that she is considering legal action over the unauthorized leak and the spread of false information.