Park Wi has canceled an upcoming talk show appearance, according to Korean outlet 한국경제. The cancellation follows public backlash over a video showing a fall involving Park Wi, which has also led to abusive comments targeting his wife, singer Song Ji-eun, on social media.
The talk show cancellation is the latest in a series of event pullbacks. Korean media reports indicate Park Wi has also scrapped a lecture engagement. The controversy stems from a CCTV-style video that Park Wi shared, which critics say unfairly singled out a train operator.
YTN reports that a train engineer expressed anger over the video, questioning why someone would try to "dunk" another person in public opinion. The engineer's reaction highlights the professional frustration the video caused among railway workers.
The fallout has extended to Park Wi's online presence. News outlet 뉴시스 reports that his YouTube channel has lost subscribers, dropping below the 1 million mark. The decline suggests the controversy is affecting his digital influence and public standing.
The situation has drawn reactions from others in the disability community. Money Today reports that Kim Hyeok-geon, a singer with the group The Cross who has full-body paralysis, has spoken out on the Park Wi controversy. Kim's comments add a layer of internal debate within the community about the appropriate use of such videos.
Park Wi, who is also known for his advocacy work related to disability rights, has not publicly addressed the cancellations or the online attacks on his wife as of this report.
What to watch next: Whether Park Wi issues a formal statement addressing the video's intent and the subsequent backlash, and if more scheduled events will be affected.
