Key Facts
Ko Young Wook, a former Korean celebrity convicted of sexually assaulting minors, has ignited a fresh controversy with remarks about becoming a Japanese adult film actor. The comments, made on social media, were initially interpreted as a serious career move but later clarified as a self-deprecating joke.
Details of the Controversy
On July 12th, Ko Young Wook (also known as Go Young Wook) posted on social media: "I just wanted to live happily making people laugh. It seems hard to find a job in Korea." He added, "I think I saw somewhere that there is a shortage of male adult film actors in Japan. If it’s legally possible." This sparked immediate backlash.
Two days later, on July 14th, Ko shared a screenshot of news articles covering his statement, accompanied by the plea: "Please stop now…" The articles explained that his remarks were not an actual plan but a joke expressing his frustration and helplessness about his inability to resume his career in Korea.
Background of Ko Young Wook
In 2013, Ko Young Wook was sentenced to two years and six months in prison for sexual crimes against minors. The court also ordered five years of public disclosure of his personal information and three years of electronic location tracking. After his release, he attempted to restart his entertainment career by launching a YouTube channel, but societal condemnation repeatedly blocked his efforts.
Impact and Public Reaction
Despite his clarification, criticism has not subsided. Many feel that his joke, given his criminal history, was in poor taste. In his defense, Ko quoted a passage from Maria Tumarkin's book How to Not Speak of Pain: "No one should be punished beyond the sentence handed down by the court. But communities, people, do punish." This suggests he believes he is being unfairly ostracized.
Earlier this year, Ko had posted messages expressing financial struggles, such as "In a world that completely rejects me, what am I supposed to do?" and "Isn’t there any way to at least earn money for dog food?" These posts highlight his ongoing difficulties reintegrating into society.
What Readers Should Know
- Ko Young Wook's comments about becoming a pornstar were intended as a joke, not a serious announcement.
- He remains a convicted sex offender, and his attempts at a comeback have been met with public resistance.
- The controversy underscores the challenges faced by convicted individuals seeking to rebuild their lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Ko Young Wook?
Ko Young Wook is a former Korean celebrity who was convicted in 2013 for sexually assaulting minors. He was sentenced to two years and six months in prison, along with five years of public information disclosure and three years of electronic monitoring.
What did Ko Young Wook say about becoming a pornstar?
On July 12th, he wrote on social media that he wanted to live happily making people laugh and mentioned a shortage of male adult film actors in Japan, suggesting it as a possibility if legally feasible. He later clarified it was a joke expressing frustration.
Why is Ko Young Wook's comment controversial?
Given his criminal record for sexual offenses against minors, many found his joke about entering the adult film industry insensitive and inappropriate, leading to widespread criticism.
What has Ko Young Wook done since his release?
After his release, he attempted to restart his career via a YouTube channel but faced repeated backlash. He has also posted about financial difficulties, questioning how to earn a living in a society that rejects him.