In the world of K-Dramas, on-screen chemistry often spills over into real life, but a recent interaction between Apink member Eunji and her co-star Choi Jin Hyuk has sparked outrage among fans. The incident, which occurred during an episode of the variety show Zzanbro, has gained significant attention online, leading to widespread discussion and criticism.
The Incident: A Car Seat Controversy
The clip in question features Eunji, Choi Jin Hyuk, and actress Lee Jung Eun, who are co-stars in the ongoing JTBC K-Drama Miss Night and Day. During the show, Choi Jin Hyuk made a comment about Eunji’s car seats, expressing his disapproval of their “manly” appearance. He criticized her for not understanding “how guys feel,” referring to her preference for all-black car seats as too masculine for his taste.
Lee Jung Eun tried to lighten the mood by praising Eunji’s driving skills and even complimenting the car seats as “cool.” However, Choi Jin Hyuk continued to express his dissatisfaction, which led to the show’s MC, Shin Dong Youp, joking about a potential romantic connection between the two co-stars. Eunji, clearly uncomfortable, jokingly threatened Choi with a bottle opener, trying to defuse the situation with humor.
Netizens’ Reactions: Outrage and Support for Eunji
Despite the lighthearted nature of the show, the resurfaced clip has drawn heavy criticism from netizens. Many viewers were displeased with Choi Jin Hyuk’s remarks, seeing them as unnecessary and disrespectful. The conversation, which might have been intended as playful banter, was perceived by many as an example of inappropriate behavior toward Eunji.
Comments from netizens reflected their frustration:
“Why is her seat color even important here?”
“He’s seven years older, right? Ahjussi, please stop taking interest in her.”
“Isn’t that male actor impolite??? Ugh…how dare he do this to Jung Eunji…”
The overwhelming sentiment was one of support for Eunji, with many fans expressing their disappointment in both Choi Jin Hyuk and the show’s handling of the situation.
The Bigger Picture: Gender Stereotypes in K-Drama Culture
The incident highlights a broader issue in entertainment, where gender stereotypes often influence the interactions between male and female stars. Eunji’s choice of car seats was trivialized and scrutinized based on outdated notions of masculinity and femininity. This situation serves as a reminder of the challenges that female idols and actresses often face, not only in their professional lives but also in how their personal choices are judged publicly.
Conclusion
The interaction between Eunji and Choi Jin Hyuk on Zzanbro has sparked a significant reaction from fans, bringing attention to the subtle ways in which gender expectations can manifest in everyday conversations. As the clip continues to circulate online, it’s clear that fans are rallying behind Eunji, supporting her individuality and questioning the necessity of such remarks. This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing need to challenge gender norms and promote respect in all forms of public discourse.
