[NEWS] Korea loses its image due to JYJ's cancellation? International fans say: "We won't buy Korean products"

The effect of KBS's cancellation of JYJ's broadcast appearance has once again become clear. In particular, international fans have shown their anger towards the broadcasting station and Jeju Island, tarnishing the image of Korea. Now, domestic fans are not the only thing to worry about.

JYJ were scheduled to perform on KBS's "New 7 Wonders" special, yet were given a notice of cancellation. In addition, JYJ's presence was replaced by girl groups from JYJ's former entertainment company, SM Entertainment. JYJ's agency revealed that KBS did not even give them a clear reason for the cancellation.

In May 2010, many angry messages were left on KBS's message boards due to KBS not allowing JYJ to perform on "Music Bank", citing the lawsuit between JYJ and SM Entertainment as the reason.

In the wake of this controversy, international fans have taken their disappointment to domestic portal sites, becoming a hot topic. They write that they came to love Korea because of JYJ, but are very disappointed with this scandal.

An Egyptian fan writes, "I loved Korea because of JYJ, and bought Korean electronics and products because of it. Now, I will love only JYJ, not Korea. I am angry at the injustice JYJ has to suffer because of a powerful force." An Australian fan writes, "I learned a lot about Korea after becoming a JYJ fan. However, this event has caused fans across the world to worry about the evil and absurity of Korean entertainment companies. I will not buy Korean products in the future."

Fans from other countries state, "I was going to visit Jeju Island, but now I will definitely not go anymore" and others, expressing their opinions. Seeing these messages, Korean netizens have become worried of JYJ's international fans' reactions.

Seeing the messages left by international fans, Korean netizens wrote, "I'm embarrassed. Even though I do not pay much attention to nor like JYJ that much, seeing this makes me feel embarrassed", "KBS, a national broadcasting station, has tarnished the country's image", "Hallyu is playing a role in cultural exchange, but how should we do the cultural exchange well? The entire nation is pondering", showing their embarrassment to the situation.

Domestic fans are reacting similarly. A Korean fan wrote, "I am afraid that foreign fans who have come to love Korean because of liking JYJ will come to hate Korea. I don't have anything to say to foreign fans, just don't hate everything about Korea." Another Korean fan writes, "Foreign fans know of everything that is happening within the country. Foreign fans who planned on seeing JYJ perform have cancelled their hotel and flight reservations. This is not just a lost chance at earning foreign money, but an international embarrassment."

With this controversy, not only has KBS damaged its reputation. International fans' image of Korea has been tarnished as well. KBS's representatives stated, "the line-up of artists is entirely up to the production staff. They will make an announcement after the broadcast on the 20th."

Top 3 comments on the article:

#1: I do not know what to say to foreign fans to explain. I'm so embarrassed.

#2: Just how big is JYJ's international fanbase? Even though it was a low season [for tourists] during the Busan concert, all the hotels in the area were full. Thanks to JYJ, hotels earned money and articles were written.

#3: The Republic of Korea has lost its image due to internationally-recognized fraud!

**They also posted a screenshot of some messages left on mediajeju.com http://nimg.nate.com/orgImg/ss/2011/07/20/20110720_102831956797_0.jpg

Source: http://news.nate.com/view/20110720n07930

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