Zico's link to Jung Joon-young resurfaces following 'Burning Sun' documentary
What's the story
South Korean singer Zico is currently facing public backlash following the release of a BBC documentary titled Burning Sun: The Women Who Exposed the K-Pop Stars's Secret Chatrooms on May 19.
The documentary has reignited the infamous Burning Sun scandal, which previously implicated former BIGBANG member Seungri, and singers Jung Joon-young and Choi Jong-hoon in crimes such as sexual assault and illegal filming.
Post-release, Zico's social media platforms have been inundated with comments referencing the scandal.
Online reaction
Zico's social media flooded with 'golden phone' comments
Users have posted statements such as "Your friend's golden phone was on BBC News," "Explain the golden phone," and "What did you see on Jung Joon-young's golden phone? Share it with us."
Another user said, "What was on the golden phone that you read so thoroughly?"
These comments are in response to a statement made by Zico in 2016, where he mentioned Jung's "golden phone" used for emergencies and KakaoTalk.
Controversial remarks
Zico's connection with Jung's 'golden phone': Explained
The comments refer to Zico's appearance on the MBC variety show Radio Star in January 2016, where he likened Jung's "golden phone" to a "Pokémon directory" with many contacts saved.
He revealed, "It's not his main phone, and he only uses it for KakaoTalk [a messaging app]."
During the show, Jung confirmed he still had the "golden phone," and added that Zico would often ask about it, "He lounges on my bed, saying, 'Today, I'll start from the letter A.'"
Public statement
'Story has nothing to do with this unfortunate incident...'
After Jung's conviction for illegally filming and disseminating videos of 10 women without their consent in 2020, Zico's previous remarks resurfaced.
He clarified, "The story about the phone I mentioned on the show has nothing to do with this unfortunate incident."
He continued, "All I saw on that phone was a list of contacts, and I have not been in touch with Jung Joon-young for a long time."
Zico was not implicated in the Burning Sun scandal.
Campus criticism
When Zico's performance at Yonsei University sparked controversy
Zico faced further criticism when he performed at Yonsei University's festival shortly after the controversy resurfaced.
Online communities expressed discomfort with comments like, "Inviting Zico is an embarrassment for the school," and "Did it have to be Zico?"
Some students even put up posters on campus criticizing the decision to invite him.
Inha University Consumer Studies professor Lee Eun-hee commented on this issue stating, "Expressing opinions against thoughtlessly inviting individuals who've caused social controversy is reasonable from a consumer standpoint."