Go Young-wook (50), a former member of the group Roo'ra who served a prison sentence for sexually assaulting multiple minors, has faced backlash from Japanese media after posting a comment suggesting he might "have to work as an adult video (AV) actor in Japan."

The Japanese publication Nikkan Sports reported on the matter on July 13 and 14, citing Go's social media posts. The reports featured headlines such as "South Korean singer desperately appeals to become a male AV actor in Japan... served prison time for sexual assault, says it is legally possible if there are no other jobs," and detailed his past criminal record.

Go's remarks sparked intense criticism not only in South Korea but also in Japan. Critics argued that it was highly inappropriate for someone with a history of sex crimes against minors to discuss working in the adult film industry. In response, Go shared an article that interpreted his comments as a self-deprecating joke about his sense of helplessness rather than a genuine intention to debut as an AV actor, and wrote, "Please, stop it now..."

He also expressed bewilderment at the backlash from Japan, stating, "I thought I was used to being criticized, but this is the first time I have received this kind of abuse." He claimed, "I have long liked Japanese music, movies, dramas, and other aspects of Japanese culture, and I enjoyed reading books by Japanese authors like Osamu Dazai. As someone who had a favorable view of the Japanese people, this comes as quite a shock."

He then quoted a passage from Maria Tumarkin's book, Axiomatic, which reads, "No person should be punished more than the sentence handed down by the court. But the community punishes people." This was interpreted as an expression of his frustration regarding the social criticism and restrictions on his activities he continues to face.

Go was indicted on charges of sexually assaulting and molesting three minors between 2010 and 2012. In 2013, the Supreme Court upheld a sentence of two years and six months in prison, along with orders for five years of personal information disclosure and three years of wearing an electronic ankle monitor. Since his release from prison in 2015, Go has attempted to communicate with the public and resume activities through social media and YouTube.




Reported by Kang Kyung-yoon | Produced by SBS Entertainment News