In a surprising turn of events, actress Ko So-young ignited a social media firestorm after sharing snapshots of her family’s vacation in Japan on Liberation Day, only to swiftly delete the post amidst mounting controversy.
On the 15th of August, Ko So-young took to her social media platform to share a series of captivating photos chronicling her family’s Japanese excursion. The images captured the actress, accompanied by her husband Jang Dong-gun, and their son and daughter, leisurely exploring Japan’s local establishments – from quaint general stores and convenient marts to vibrant animation prop shops.
However, the seemingly innocent vacation album quickly took a contentious turn as online users questioned the timing and appropriateness of the post, given the historical significance of Liberation Day. Liberation Day holds deep resonance for Koreans, symbolizing the nation’s freedom from Japanese occupation in 1945 and the establishment of the Korean government.
Ko So-young had previously shared glimpses of her travels, including a snapshot featuring herself and Jang Dong-gun on a plane just days before. Some followers had innocuously commented, “Welcome to Japan,” while others speculated on the couple’s whereabouts during the national holiday.
Yet, the sentiment of unease escalated when a string of photos from their Japanese sojourn, specifically posted on August 15th – Liberation Day itself – came to light. This surge in posts triggered an influx of criticism, and Ko So-young’s social media was inundated with a barrage of unfavorable comments.
Among the reactions were expressions of frustration and disappointment: “Couldn’t this have been shared more thoughtfully?” and “Did no one consider the significance of the day?” Netizens also remarked, “A day’s patience would have sufficed,” and some even suggested raising the Korean flag (Taegeukgi) to signal allegiance to the historical moment.
As the backlash intensified, Ko So-young took the surprising step of quietly removing the entire post. The move prompted speculation and further discussion across online platforms, with users debating whether the deletion was an acknowledgment of insensitivity or an attempt to pacify the brewing controversy.
Ko So-young and Jang Dong-gun, who tied the knot in 2010, have since become a beloved celebrity couple, with a son and daughter cementing their family unit. While their intentions behind sharing the vacation snapshots remain uncertain, the incident serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between personal choices and societal expectations, particularly when intertwined with historically significant dates.
