"Is it a free giveaway or waste disposal?"
Actress Hwang Jung-eum announced her intention to give away toys used by her children for free, but she is receiving a cold reception from the public. The state of the toys piled up in disarray has sparked controversy.
On the 12th, Hwang Jung-eum posted on her social media, stating, "I will give away toys that my child has used cleanly for free." The giveaway will take place from the 13th to the 15th in the Itaewon area of Yongsan-gu, Seoul. However, the photos released show a vast amount of toys, including cars, robots, and dinosaur figures, piled haphazardly on the ground, resembling more of a 'disposal' than a 'giveaway'.
The reactions from netizens have been indifferent. On online communities, criticisms have emerged such as, "It is disrespectful to leave them piled up without any sorting or organization," "It seems like a trick to save on waste sticker costs and bag fees," and "The attitude of 'take it if you want it' is unpleasant."
The underlying negative sentiment is believed to be influenced by Hwang Jung-eum's past controversies. Last year, she was sentenced to two years in prison, with a four-year probation, for embezzling 4.3 billion won from her personal corporation. Despite repaying the full amount and taking time for self-reflection, public perception remains harsh. This giveaway controversy is also being questioned for its sincerity in light of past events.
Meanwhile, Hwang Jung-eum is preparing to resume her activities after completing the registration of her one-person planning company, 'Hunminjeongeum Entertainment,' for public cultural and artistic planning. It has been confirmed that she completed the related procedures on the 23rd of last month and is currently serving as the CEO. As she prepares for her return while raising her two sons alone after her divorce, attention is focused on how this 'toy waste controversy' will impact her future activities.
