The so-called 'Ilbe expression controversy' surrounding remarks made by RESCENE member WONI is expanding beyond a simple incident into a broader social debate over language use and the interpretation of regional dialects. The controversy is intensifying as the past work of PD Kim, who initially raised issues regarding WONI's remarks, has also come under scrutiny.
The incident began with the expression "Museopno" (It's scary), which WONI used naturally in a YouTube video released on the 28th of last month. Regarding the expression, PD Kim publicly raised the issue via SNS, suggesting that rather than being standard Gyeongsang-do grammar, it could be interpreted as 'Ilbe-style language'—a term used for hate speech online. As this statement gained traction, a heated debate erupted online between those arguing it is "merely a regional dialect" and those claiming it "could be misunderstood as the language of a specific online community."
However, the controversy did not end there. Attention has shifted to the fact that Gyeongsang-do dialects were used extensively in the subtitles of 'Yap! Vitality Heaven,' a local variety program by MBC Gyeongnam in which PD Kim previously participated. Broadcast from 2004 to 2010, the community-focused show was characterized by preserving the authentic dialects used during interviews with elderly residents in rural Gyeongnam villages.
The program featured numerous subtitles that captured actual speech, such as "Mworahano?" (What are you saying?), "Yennal-e geureon mareul deureul yeogaga eoditno" (Where was there time to hear such things in the past?), and "Yaga museun joe-reul jitgo jeoraega ono?" (What sin did this person commit to come like this?). While some viewers view these as a "natural recording of dialect," others have pointed out that "the standards are inconsistent" when compared to the current controversy.
As PD Kim has previously identified the program as one of their own works in past interviews, it has resurfaced in this debate, further fueling the controversy.
Interpretations of the matter are also divided within political circles. Cho Kuk fueled the debate via SNS, claiming that "the expression 'no' is being used in a distorted manner within a specific political context." Conversely, Lee Jun-seok criticized the excessive politicization of linguistic interpretation on the same day, stating, "It is excessive to brand a 20-something idol from Geoje, Gyeongnam, for using their hometown dialect."
Ultimately, this controversy is evolving beyond a simple issue regarding an idol's speech into a clash over the meaning of regional dialects, linguistic interpretation in online culture, and the social frames surrounding them. Online, the debate continues as opinions clash between those who believe "the context of expression is important" and those who argue that "the possibility of misunderstanding within a specific context must also be considered."
