Yang Dong Geun faces backlash over political ties after church performance
Actor and rapper Yang Dong Geun, known for Squid Game “Player 007,” is under fire following a recent performance at a youth summer camp.
On August 1, 2025 (KST), Yang shared a video from the event on Instagram, calling it “such a blessed time.” His fans saw nothing unusual given his Christian faith and involvement in the CCM group K-Spirit.
The controversy began when it surfaced that the event was hosted by conservative pastor Son Hyun Bo of Segero Church in Busan. Pastor Son has led rallies against the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, heading the evangelical group “Save Korea” during the political unrest.
Yang’s agency, Jo Entertainment, quickly responded:
“There were absolutely no political intentions”
“Yang Dong Geun has no connection to the church or the pastor in question. He’s simply a devout Christian who frequently participates in faith-based events.”
— Jo Entertainment
Despite this, criticism intensified. Yang shot back on social media with a striking image of himself tagged with “Byungshin” (R*tard) on his forehead.
He slammed the hateful comments and addressed the backlash bluntly:
“I was the fool for trusting you…
Guys, go ahead and be disappointed. Say whatever you want.
You have every right to.
But it’s not like I can just go kill myself, you know?”
— Yang Dong Geun
Netizens remain divided. Some sympathize, saying Yang likely didn’t know about Pastor Son’s politics. Others accuse him of ignorance or complicity.
Reactions include:
- “Oh, wait… So he went to perform there without knowing? That must’ve been awkward. People obsessed with politics need to chill, seriously.”
- “If he really didn’t know, that’s a relief. I hope he’s being sincere.”
- “Everyone, please stop already. Some of you are way too quick to type hateful stuff.”
- “If he just went for the event, then let’s not overreact…”
- “Whatever. Saying it was a ‘blessed time’ after attending a rally that would’ve gotten you whipped if Jesus were alive, LOL.”
- “There’s no need to go swarm him and leave hate comments. He probably panicked after seeing the backlash. Even if you don’t like what happened, don’t cross the line with your words.”
Yang Dong Geun’s latest post only fueled ongoing debates over his awareness of the event’s political ties.
Watch the performance here:
