Lee Hyo-ri, Yoona apologize after karaoke visit sparks outrage

Singers Lee Hyo-ri,left, and Yoona faced criticism after live-streaming their karaoke visit, Wednesday. Korea Times file

By Lee Gyu-lee

Singers Lee Hyo-ri and Yoona have apologized after their visit to a karaoke venue stirred public controversy.

"I have been over the moon lately, so wasn't thinking straight," Lee wrote on her social media, Thursday. "I apologize and will be more careful and considerate in the future."

Yoona, a member of Girls' Generation, shared a handwritten apology on her social media, saying: "I truly regret raising (fans') concerns with my reckless action."

Mentioning the frontline medical staff battling COVID-19, she said she had a "lack of judgment and consideration during a time of need for extra caution."

The issue erupted when Lee started live-streaming on social media with Yoona at a karaoke venue on Wednesday night. "I came to do karaoke with Yoona after drinking," she told viewers.

Many viewers started expressing concerns over their visit as karaoke rooms are classified as "high-risk" venues for the coronavirus.

The two put on masks soon after seeing the comments, but eventually ended the streaming after about two minutes.

The video went viral online, stirring criticism of their visit to entertainment venues amid the spread of the virus.

"The infection cases continue to occur on a daily basis, so such selfish action seems inappropriate," a user wrote on Naver.

Another wrote: "People are criticizing, not because they went to the karaoke, but because they are celebrities whose actions impact other people. They not only went there but also streamed it, which makes it worse."

Some even accused Lee and Yoona of being hypocritical after previously joining the "Thanks to You Challenge," a social media campaign to show gratitude and respect to health workers fighting the virus.

But some people said the criticism of the singers was too harsh. "It's not like they've committed a crime," a user commented.

Another said: "Those criticizing the two should see how crowded restaurants and parks are on the weekends."

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