'Knowing Bros' Draws Flak for 'Vulgar' Description of TWICE Momo's Relationship With Heechul
Following “offensive” indirect mention of TWICE Momo, fans want “Knowing Bros” to stop airing.
On June 15, JTBC’s entertainment show, “Knowing Brothers” aired its recent episode with the theme of “becoming different people during the day and night.”
During the interview with guests such as Lee Jeong Eun, Choi Jin Hyuk and Jung Eunji, Heechul highlighted Kim Young Chul’s “day” and “nightlife,” saying:
“I’m curious about Young Chul’s life. He speaks several languages and is intelligent. His brain is extraordinary. I want to live like a student while learning smartly like this.”
(Photo : Heechul, Young Chul (News1))
Hearing this, Kim Young Chul returned the favor and expressed jealousy of the Super Junior’s life. He stated:
“I really want to live like Heechul.”
The idol proudly lifted his chin and swaggered as if it was just natural, but little did he know, the next line would be exposing his “night” life.
Young Chul added:
“He met girl groups, kissed them and hung out until 3 to 4 in the morning.”
(Photo : Heechul, Momo (News1))
Perplexed with what he heard, Heechul got embarrassed as he got up in his seat and burst into laughter.
During the broadcast, it became some form of entertainment for the cast members and guests as they were asked to roleplay under that concept but when it reached K-pop fans, especially ONCEs, they expressed their disgust at the show and Kim Young Chul.
While the host didn’t name anyone, it was publicly known that Kim Heechul was once in a relationship with “Nation’s Girl Group” TWICE’s Momo.
In January 2020, their relationship was exposed and both sides admitted that they are seeing each other with mutual feelings.
While the couple was celebrated, they ended up breaking up in July 2021, after 1 year and 6 months of being in a relationship.
(Photo : Heechul, Momo (News1))
Thus, saying that the male idol met with girl groups, kissing and hanging out with them until 4 am immediately made viewers think of Momo, his ex-girlfriend.
In an online forum, K-netizens were angered by Young Chul’s “vulgar” and “rude” remarks, leading people to suggest that the show cease.
Some of the comments are:
- “Are you guys crazy?”
- “Why are your words and actions so vulgar and cheap?”
- “Ah, I really don’t want to see them on TV for some reason.”
- “It’s so rude.”
- “It’s already been a few years since they broke up so why are you guys being like that?”
- “Oh, it’s ‘Knowing Bros’ again. When are you guys being abolished?”
- “Ah, I wish you would stop mentioning it.”
