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In recent episodes of ENA’s variety show Country Life of Gen-Z, actor Lee Yi-kyung, famed for his role in Marry My Husband, has faced criticism for an inappropriate comment regarding aespa's Winter and underaged celebrity Jung Dong-won. The show, which blends urban and rural experiences, features K-pop idols alongside other celebrities.
The latest episodes included guest appearances by aespa's Winter and (G)I-DLE’s Miyeon, joining a lineup that also features Song Geon-hee, Yang Se-chan, Lee Eun-ji, and actor-singer Jung Dong-won.
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In the latest episode, Winter was seen struggling with fish bones, so the 17-year-old singer and actor, Jung Dong-won assisted her. Unbeknownst to them, Lee Yi-kyung took a Polaroid of the moment and later handed it to Dong-won, making a comment that suggested the latter had a preference for older women, referring to the photo as a "gift."
This interaction has sparked a significant backlash from fans, who find Yi-kyung's comment inappropriate and objectifying. The combination of the comment and the fact that the photo was taken without consent has led to widespread criticism. A user on X, @aekvrna wrote,
"Taking a picture of two people together without permission and only giving it to one person saying “you like older women, right? here’s a gift” is so fucking stupid?? treating winter like she is some type of gift omf this is pissing me off."
"this is how korean men think. that women are just objects for their consumption," a netizen commented.
"That actor is living up to his roles being a creep, annoying and anti-hero in kdramas," another user mentioned.
"words cannot express how pissed off I am," a person remarked.
"actually free winter from working with those weirdos because wtf is this???" another X user wrote.
Fans also expressed discomfort with the idea of pairing 23-year-old Winter with 17-year-old Dong Won, viewing it as problematic. Moreover, the caption read "gift" as the aespa's idol pointed at herself.
"it should be enough to raise eyebrows especially with the caption but he was also saying Winter and this boy who was born in 2007 and is a minor look good together," a netizen commented.
"JUST FOUND OUT THE GUY IS AN 07? WHAT THE F*CK," an X user expressed.
More about the show and aespa's Winter's latest updates
The variety show City Z Goes to the Countryside is capturing attention with its unique concept of city celebrities adapting to rural life. This "hipster" variety show features a blend of urban and country experiences and includes a regular cast of Yang Se-chan, Lee Eun-ji, Lee Yi-kyung, Song Geon-hee, Jung Dong-won, and Cho Mi-yeon.
The show, which is set to run for ten episodes will see guest appearances from notable figures such as (G)I-DLE’s Miyeon, NCT 127's Kim Jung-woo, and IZ*ONE's Kwon Eun-bi.
Meanwhile, the aespa singer, who has been making headlines recently, is set to co-host the second day of the inaugural 'Korea Grand Music Awards,' alongside Nam Ji Hyun. The idol was also recently seen at the Ralph Lauren 2025 ready-to-wear collection show in New York, where she was accompanied by actress Krystal and actor Ryu Joon-yeol.
The third episode of this engaging series is scheduled to air on September 22, 2024.
