Shinhwa member Kim Dong-wan will go ahead with a busking performance to mark his 28th debut anniversary despite ongoing controversy.
On the 23rd, Kim wrote on his Threads, "I will be busking on March 24 from 4 p.m. at the lawn plaza in Iljasan Urban Nature Park, Gangdong-gu." He added, "More people than expected are planning to come, so I brought on a sound director and a security team," and explained, "Since there will be families in the audience, we're preparing to ensure a safe and comfortable performance."
His busking is drawing even more attention as it comes amid several recent controversies. Kim previously faced backlash for comments on certain social issues posted on social media. In particular, he was criticized after publicly supporting MC Ding-dong, who is facing allegations of assaulting a female BJ (streamer). Kim later deleted the post and apologized, saying, "It was a careless expression that failed to fully consider the situation."
Adding fuel to the fire, an individual identified as A, who claims to be his former manager, came forward with accusations, widening the controversy. A said, "While I was his manager, I offered him advice many times, but Kim Dong-wan wouldn't accept it," and, "He said he needed cash, so I booked him a musical. I pushed the appearance fee as high as possible, but he then backed out, putting me in a tough spot. After I resigned, he ended up doing the musical anyway." Kim refuted these accounts as "false claims that do not align with the facts." He also stated he would refrain from commenting on private matters but warned he would consider legal action if the spread of false information continued.
Nevertheless, A has continued to air grievances in additional statements, suggesting the dispute may drag on.