In an era of high prices, where people already feel the pressure of gift-giving at weddings, Kim Jong-kook’s public remark on the modest contribution from Jonathan, born in 2000 and young enough to be his nephew, has been deemed inappropriate.
On the November 3rd episode of SBS’s variety show “Running Man”, Yoo Jae-suk mentioned how Kim Jong-kook was chatting with Jonathan. Kim Jong-kook responded, “(Jonathan) didn’t give much in wedding money and ate f*cking lot.”
Though intended as a joke, many viewers found it uncomfortable rather than amusing. Many have voiced discomfort, pointing out that it wasn’t even the groom Jo Se-ho, who spent a large sum on wedding expenses, but rather Kim Jong-kook who mocked the younger Jonathan’s gift.
Recent data from Kakao Pay showed that the average wedding gift amount for those in their 20s is around 60,000 won. Even though celebrities may earn more, such blunt criticism of a young person’s wedding gift amount on a broadcast may have crossed a line.
Additionally, the family-friendly nature of “Running Man” raises concerns about the casual use of terms like “ate f*cking lot”. “Running Man” has often been criticized for mistreatment, swearing or critical gags among members. This incident raises the question of whether their “all-in-good-fun” style of teasing might have finally crossed the line.
Source: Daum
