W Korea Event Cancelled

Every October, W Korea hosts its “Love Your W” breast cancer charity event. The gathering raises awareness about the disease, sparks conversations, and educates attendees.

K-pop stars posing for a photo at W Korea

K-pop stars perform, donate to the cause, and speak with medical professionals. Over 20 years, participants have raised ₩1.1 billion for the fight against breast cancer. But this year, leaked videos shattered the event’s reputation.

ILLIT at Love Your W - OSEN 2025

The 2025 edition opened with artists strutting down the red carpet. Chaos erupted when footage revealed Jay Park performing his song “Mommae,” which objectifies women’s bodies; background visuals that sexualized female performers; and interviewers who ignored breast cancer to focus on the night’s entertainment. Pink ribbons, the universal symbol of breast cancer awareness, were nowhere in sight, replaced by red decorations. Adding fuel to the fire, several idols stumbled out of the venue appearing intoxicated.

W Korea’s Instagram Post

Netizens blasted the event online: "Calling this a ‘charity’ event, when it’s just alcohol, lights, and revealing outfits." "This wasn’t about awareness, it was a ‘celebrity awareness’ event.” "1.1 billion Korean won raised over 20 years? Pathetic

compared to the four times that amount raised by the public Pink Run." "A campaign meant to empower patients ended up mocking them." Korean influencers echoed the outrage, branding the night a drunken party masquerading as charity.

Only three acts addressed breast cancer during the event. After ILLIT’s set, Minju declared, "I hope that this kind of positive influence on health continues to spread in the future." Teammate Wonhee urged, "Don't miss even the smallest signs. Everyone, please start with a checkup first."

IVE’s Rei, speaking on a live stream, shared, "“Though my pain was different, I thought that people receiving treatment are all the same. Having experienced pain myself, I wanted awareness [of breast cancer] to improve. I studied before attending the event." Park Eunbin, also live streaming after the event, said, "I heard this breast cancer awareness campaign is held annually. I attended this meaningful event, enjoyed the good atmosphere, and I am on my way home.”

W Korea issued an apology: "Above all else, we would like to deeply apologize for having caused discomfort and pain by failing to carefully consider the perspective of breast cancer patients and their families."

Many dismissed the statement as hollow based on the event appearing to be a club night, not a charity gala. Most attending artists have stayed silent.