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86-year-old actress Jeon Won-ju's comments on young trainer spark debate
๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท South Korea /Culture & Society

86-year-old actress Jeon Won-ju's comments on young trainer spark debate

From Dong-A Ilbo · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Actress Jeon Won-ju, 86, sparked discussion with her affectionate gestures towards a 33-year-old male trainer on a YouTube show.
  • Some viewers raised concerns about the appropriateness of the interaction, citing potential double standards.
  • The show's producers stated the segment was intended for comedic effect.

South Korean actress Jeon Won-ju, 86, has become the subject of online debate following her appearance on a YouTube channel. In a video posted on the 'Sunpung Sunwoo Yongnyeo' channel, Jeon traveled with actress Sunwoo Yong-nyeo and a 33-year-old personal trainer, Kim Seung-woo.

I want to take him as my grandson-in-law.

โ€” Jeon Won-juExpressing her admiration for the young trainer.

During the trip, Jeon expressed a desire to have Kim as a grandson-in-law and openly admired his muscular physique, remarking, "Bigger than a woman," and "Looking at that makes me tremble." While many viewers interpreted these as lighthearted, comedic reactions typical of entertainment programming, a segment of the audience raised concerns.

Bigger than a woman.

โ€” Jeon Won-juCommenting on the trainer's muscular physique.

Critics pointed to a perceived double standard in media portrayals, suggesting that similar actions by an older male celebrity towards a younger female guest would likely face significant public backlash. They argued that even within the context of comedy, overly suggestive or objectifying humor based on physical characteristics can be uncomfortable for viewers, regardless of the gender dynamics involved.

Looking at that makes me tremble.

โ€” Jeon Won-juReacting to the trainer's physique.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Dong-A Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.