Which Korean celebrities caused a storm over their social media posts – showing them mask-free and hanging out in Bali, Paris and New York during the coronavirus pandemic?

Apr 1 , 2020

South Korean celebrities Seolhyun, Hwangbo and others are facing harsh criticism for updating their social activities on social media amid the coronavirus outbreak. Photos: Instagram

South Korean celebrities’ social media postings are coming under close scrutiny, with stars facing criticism for setting a bad example as cases of Covid-19 rage around the planet

The coronavirus took off in South Korea early in March after a mass infection at a church in Daegu under the Shincheonji sect, where one infected member managed to pass on her illness to thousands more as she refused to undergo treatment and testing multiple times, insisting that her religion made her impervious to disease.

South Korean police officers in front of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus in Daegu, which was the centre of the country's single largest infection cluster. Photo: EPA-EFE

The infected members continued their daily life, travelling around the country, resulting in a sudden spike in numbers over the course of a few days. Numbers hit 7,400 on March 9, compared to a few hundred in late February. The entire country has been on high alert due to the burgeoning pandemic, with many choosing to self-isolate at home to avoid the virus.

Celebrity scrutiny

While its citizens struggle with both being cooped up at home as well as the fear of leaving the house for mundane routines such as work, celebrities and their vastly different lifestyles and attitudes have come under close scrutiny.

On March 19, celebrity mum Kahi released an Instagram photo of her and her kids on a beach in Bali where she is currently located, with the caption “braved up for my kids”, referring to her taking them out to play despite worries about the virus.

The post received immense backlash, with many commenting “rocks for brains” and “now is not the time to show off”. The photo has since been deleted and later replaced with an apology for “disappointing people with her immaturity”. The apology faced greater backlash and has since been removed from her Instagram.

Celebrity ballet dancer Na Dae-han also posted photos of his travel to Japan in the first week of March, leading to public criticism and his contract with the Korean National Ballet being terminated. His Instagram account has since been deleted.