With the on-site scenes from the birthday party for Youngja, a contestant from ENA and SBS Plus’s entertainment program “Soi 31,” now revealed, public attention has turned to indications that some members skipped the event and that social media (SNS) un-following has taken place.
On the 10th, Youngja posted multiple photos and videos on her personal account with the caption “Moments that don’t make it into the broadcast.” The post showed the warm, friendly atmosphere of the “Soi 31” members who gathered to celebrate Youngja’s birthday. In particular, Sunja and her partner Kyung-soo—who recently became at the center of the so-called “Girl Talk” controversy—drew attention as they attended with bright expressions.
Meanwhile, Ok-sun and Young-sook, who had clashed with Sunja, were not seen at this gathering. Youngho, who had ended up as a couple with Ok-sun in the final selection, also did not attend, raising questions. Currently, Sunja has un-followed the accounts of all members of “Soi 31” except Kyung-soo, who has developed into a real-life couple, and the exact timing of this birthday party remains unknown.
In the released video, Youngja lit the cake candles and shouted, “I hope that everyone here stays happy and good things are packed full. Soi 31, fighting,” and attendees responded with cheers. In addition, Youngja released a number of behind-the-scenes memories, including a dating scene with Youngsu and a commemorative photo with producer Nam Gyu-hong.
Discord that doesn’t settle even after the show ends…From posting an apology to allegations of “bullying”
“Soi 31” wrapped up last month on the 27th, but conflict among some female contestants is still ongoing even after the show ended. During the broadcast, a scene aired in which Ok-sun, Young-sook, and Jeong-hee talked behind Sunja’s back in the accommodations, and Sunja—who happened to overhear it outside the door—made a stiff expression, drawing viewers’ anger.
As the controversy spread uncontrollably, the parties involved issued formal apologies in the YouTube channel “Chonjangg Entertainment” live broadcast held immediately after the show ended. But afterward, when only Sunja and Kyung-soo were absent from the publicly released full dinner photos, so-called “bullying” allegations surfaced. As the climate of criticism grew fierce, Young-sook, Ok-sun, and Jeong-hee each posted lengthy apology statements on their respective accounts, taking steps to move things forward.
At the time, Sunja said on the live broadcast that she cleared up misunderstandings with Jeong-hee, but about the apologies from Ok-sun and Young-sook, she did not hide that “Honestly, I didn’t feel sincerity,” leaving lingering resentment. With the deep rift in the conflict—continuing from whether to attend a private gathering to breaking off ties on SNS—played out in full, the situation has stirred sadness among viewers who had supported “Soi 31.”
