Enter Yi Chen, a Chinese trainee from the new survival show PROJECT7, who has everyone talking because of his striking looks, talent, and prestigious family background.
The show revealed Yi Chen is a direct descendant of Ahn Joong Geun, one of Korea’s most honored freedom activists.
Ahn Joong Geun is often regarded as a hero of the Korean independence movement who assassinated Itō Hirobumi, Japan’s Resident-General during its occupation.
Yi Chen said his great-great-grandfather was Ahn Joong Geun’s cousin and a major player in the independence movement.
Arrested for plotting an assassination against Japan’s Governor-General Terauchi, Ahn Myung Geun was forced into exile and relocated his family to China, where Yi Chen was born.
Just as the news broke out, it triggered viewers’ interest, especially in Korean fans. A lot of people wrote on social media supporting Yi Chen for being related to the legendary hero.
Some fans even quipped that they might be committing “national treason” if the votes weren’t for him.
쒸발 안뽑으면 매국노 될것같은데? https://t.co/QM1KX2E1nx
— 제계팔 (@nddllkk) October 18, 2024
If you don’t vote for him, you are not Korean — one person wrote on X (formerly Twitter). A user further wrote, “We should vote for him because it is the only way to commemorate Ahn Joong Geun.”
아 안보는데 얘는 걍 계속 뽑아야겠다 안중근 의사님께 이렇게라도 보답을 해야지 않겠니 적어도 한국 사람이라면 https://t.co/28Uc3BeixI
— 제갈ㄹ (@zjososjsjsnnd) October 18, 2024
일멤이랑 데뷔하면 어케됨?? https://t.co/VXPpw8S48F
— 한을 (@ihaneul49886300) October 18, 2024
While the prospect of his having Korean-Japanese blood certainly garnered lots of excitement, some fans raised an eyebrow as some were concerned about the potential reaction in Korea due to historical tensions between the two countries.
Either way, the clip in which Yi Chen reveals this fact has already surpassed 4.8 million views, and fans are uniting to vote for him to stay.
What can you say about the story? Share your comments below.
Rovelyn Barba
