Contestant speaks out against abusive comments

I Am Solo. [ENA]
I Am Solo. [ENA]

Yeongja, a contestant on Season 31 of the ENA and SBS Plus reality dating show "I Am Solo," has spoken out about the pain of receiving abusive comments online.

Yeongja posted on her social media account Thursday, describing "comments people go out of their way to leave on my account, vile profanity and DMs telling me to kill myself that have crossed every line."

She added, "If you dislike me or find me uncomfortable, just scroll past." She also pushed back at viewers, saying, "It was the cast members, not the viewers, who directly witnessed and experienced what didn't make it to air."

Photos she shared alongside the post showed a comment she had left on fellow Season 31 contestant Jeonghui's social media page. Under a swimsuit photo Jeonghui posted Thursday, Yeongja had written, "Hot girl, you're so pretty." One user replied, "Ugh, such a suck-up."

During the show, Yeongja had stood by Sunja, who was the target of gossip by Oksun, Yeongsuk and Jeonghui, offering comfort and encouragement. After the broadcast ended, however, she drew considerable criticism when she declared a neutral stance, saying she was "not taking sides with anyone in any current relationship."

At the time, Yeongja said, "I don't want to create an uncomfortable relationship with anyone, and in a situation where I was not directly involved in any conflict, did not suffer harm, and was not hurt, being asked to stand on someone's side feels like merely another form of taking sides. I merely want to be someone who gives strength to others." Some fans, however, expressed disappointment, questioning whether she had switched to the side of those who had caused harm.


jshan@heraldcorp.com