Celebrities deny connection with Shincheonji
From left are actress Nam Gyu-ri, actor Lee Dong-wook and singer Gummy / Korea Times file
By Kwak Yeon-soo
Amid the ongoing coronavirus epidemic, rumors have surfaced that some celebrities are affiliated with the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, a cult linked to the massive surge in infections here.
The health authorities have confirmed that a very large number of COVID-19 infections occurred at Shincheonji services, and many people came into close contact with those who attended them have also contracted the virus.
Celebrities whose names were included on a list of these people, are now fighting back against rumors that they are members of the Shincheonji Church.
Actor Lee Dong-wook's agency King Kong by Starship Entertainment said it will take legal action against all rumor-mongers.
“We recently heard a rumor that our artist is connected with a certain religious group. That's not true and we'll take legal action against those who spread false rumors, or malicious slander against the artist,” the agency said.
FNC Entertainment, which represents comedians Yoo Jae-suk and Jung Hyung-don, released a statement denying their involvement with Shincheonji.
“Recently our artists have been accused of being part of a religious sect. As a matter of fact, none of our artists belong to that religion,” FNC Entertainment said in a statement.
“We are very concerned about the COVID-19 outbreak as it has infected tens of thousands of people around the world. However, we will not stand by and allow groundless rumors to spread. We'll take strong legal action against those who continue to spread the rumors.”
Singer-turned-actress Nam Gyu-ri also spoke out against a claim that she was a member of Shincheonji.
“Rumors have been circulating in online communities that Nam Gyu-ri is affiliated with a certain religious group. We'd like to inform you that she is not linked to that religion,” her agency Contents Nanda Kinda said.
Namoo Actors and BH Entertainment also released similar statements denying their artists' connection with the Christian sect deemed a cult by mainstream churches.
Singers Gummy and Ivy each expressed their outrage at a rumor circulating online stating that they were Shincheonji members.
Gummy's agency said it was currently monitoring online communities where the rumors are being spread.
“We will take legal action against malicious commenters who spread false rumors,” C-JeS Entertainment said.
“It's regrettable that unfounded rumors are obscuring important matters during turbulent times. I can't laugh about this rumor because it's so ridiculous. Be careful of rumors. A world ridden with fake news,” Ivy wrote on Instagram. The post was deleted a few hours later.
Singer Tei also denied a similar rumor, saying he had to postpone opening his new burger eatery because a group of Shincheonji members had been holding meetings nearby.
“My employees and I are unable to choose an opening date because of them. Please don't make ill use of the coronavirus to spread fake news. It's not at all funny.”
K-pop star Chungha, who has been in self quarantine after returning from Milan Fashion Week, Feb. 24, said “I think there's a misconception that I'm a Shincheonji member. My staff and I don't have any connection or affiliation with it.”
Two of her staff were confirmed to have been infected by the virus after the trip to Italy, but the singer and all other staff members tested negative.