'I Am SOLO' participant Choi Jeong-hyeon apologizes for filming virtual wife without consent

Choi Jeong-hyeon, a participant from the 32nd season of 'I Am SOLO' appearing as Young-su, has bowed his head in apology following a controversy regarding "hidden camera" filming of his virtual wife, Jeong Min-hyeon (Guk-hwa), without prior consent. As criticism mounted over his actions of recording daily life without the other party's permission, the controversy expanded as a cryptic social media post he left after the broadcast, which read, "Now the dog-like war begins," resurfaced.

On the 3rd, Choi Jeong-hyeon released a statement, saying, "First, I sincerely apologize to Min-hyeon (Guk-hwa)." He expressed that although he had admitted his mistake and apologized at the time of the filming, he still feels sorry and wished to convey his apologies once again. In particular, he admitted, "Even if there was no bad intention, it is my inexcusable fault that I missed the obvious consideration of seeking the other person's consent in a shared living space."

He also provided a specific explanation regarding the installation of the personal camera that caused the issue. Choi explained that he placed the camera in the common living room of the newlywed home to record daily moments not captured by the broadcast cameras, intending to make them into a surprise commemorative video to present as a gift after filming ended. However, he stated that he realized too late that explaining it was intended as a gift could not alleviate the discomfort felt by the other party.

"Regardless of my intention, I failed to deeply consider that the act of recording daily life without the other person knowing could be uncomfortable and hurtful," he reflected. He continued, "While receiving various criticisms, I am feeling once again how short-sighted I was," and vowed, "In any future relationship, I will become a person who first asks for and respects the other person's wishes." He also repeatedly apologized to the viewers who felt uncomfortable, in addition to Jeong Min-hyeon.

The controversy arose during the broadcast of 'Contract Marriage' on KBS Joy and MBC every1, which aired on the 2nd. In the broadcast, Choi Jeong-hyeon revealed that he had installed a personal camera in the common living room of the newlywed home without notifying Jeong Min-hyeon and filmed their daily life for about two days. Despite his explanation that the purpose was to leave memories, Jeong Min-hyeon expressed displeasure at the act of filming without prior consent.

However, as if he had not fully grasped the seriousness of the situation from the start, Choi Jeong-hyeon jokingly remarked, "Are you being sensitive?" When Jeong Min-hyeon reacted sternly, he finally apologized, saying, "I'll delete it all. I was wrong. I admit it. I didn't think deeply." He subsequently deleted the footage in front of Jeong Min-hyeon, who then took the memory card.

The post left by Choi Jeong-hyeon on social media after the broadcast became another spark for controversy. He posted the ominous phrase, "Forget it. Now the real dog-like war begins," which spread rapidly online. While the post cannot currently be found on his social media, interest in the meaning of the remark at that time is growing again as it coincides with his apology regarding the filming controversy.

Choi Jeong-hyeon gained recognition as Young-su in the divorcee special of the 32nd season of 'I Am SOLO' on ENA and SBS Plus. Jeong Min-hyeon appeared under the name Guk-hwa in 'I Am SOLO, Love Continues', and the two have continued their relationship as a virtual couple through 'Contract Marriage'. As the conflict in the broadcast has spread into a real apology and online controversy, attention is focused on how Choi Jeong-hyeon's belated reflection will change the evaluation of viewers.

Read the original (Korean)