Taiwanese celebrity Yuri Huang, known by her stage name Yao Yao, has sparked controversy following a post she shared on Instagram earlier this week, which many have deemed insensitive.
On March 15, large rallies were held in Seoul’s Gwanghwamun and Yeouido districts, where citizens gathered to either support or oppose the impeachment of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol.
Yao Yao, who was vacationing in the city at the time, stumbled upon the protest in Gwanghwamun. Instead of merely passing by, the 38-year-old took to social media to document her experience.
In her post, Yao Yao expressed surprise at witnessing the protest firsthand, sharing photos of herself enjoying free food, including tteokbokki (Korean rice cakes), churros, and a corndog—food intended for protesters. She even mentioned feeling “embarrassed” about receiving these items, as they were not meant for tourists.
Additionally, Yao Yao described the demonstration as reminiscent of a “carnival,” complete with food trucks and mats. She noted that, upon learning she was a foreigner, many people at the rally welcomed her warmly, with some encouraging her to eat more.
“After finding out that I’m from overseas, people were very welcoming, and some even chatted with me, asking me to eat more. It’s so cool!” Yao Yao wrote in her post. “I can only say that you can’t look down upon the unity of Koreans. This was a really unique experience.”
However, her seemingly light-hearted portrayal of the protest quickly drew sharp criticism from both Korean and Taiwanese netizens. Many Koreans were upset by her casual treatment of a serious political event, while some Taiwanese users expressed embarrassment over her behavior, apologizing on her behalf.
“This woman has embarrassed the whole of Taiwan. I’m apologizing to all South Korean protesters in her place,” one Taiwanese netizen wrote. Another added, “I hope these comments show the Koreans that she does not represent the rest of us.”
Critics also accused Yao Yao of lacking cultural awareness and having a shallow worldview.
In response to the backlash, Yao Yao remained indifferent. When fans advised her not to pay attention to the criticism, she replied, “No worries, thanks for your message! I wasn’t being careful enough, but I just happened to pass by and take some pictures while grabbing free food. I’m not really paying attention to their comments—I’ll just keep enjoying my meals and my trip as usual.”
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