“Left-Wing Support, Gold Digger, Mocking Parents, Slander” — Korean Dating Show Contestant’s Private Posts Get Exposed
Heart Signal 4 contestant Kim Ji Min has come under fire after a series of allegedly private social media posts were leaked online, sparking criticism over her political remarks, comments about women, and the sharing of unverified rumors.
Recently, screenshots said to have been visible only to a limited group of acquaintances began circulating across online communities and social media platforms. Among the most controversial posts were political statements related to South Korea’s recent martial law controversy.
According to screenshots shared online, Kim allegedly wrote, “the top 10% feed the other 90%. That’s communism, where everyone eventually becomes poor. Working like a dog to earn Korean won is useless. My hubby who earns American dollars is the best.”
She also reportedly made comments criticizing the Democratic Party and defending the declaration of martial law, describing it as a way to expose actions she believed were harming the country. The leaked posts also drew attention for comments about her relationship and expensive gifts she had received from her boyfriend.
In one post, Kim reportedly shared a photo of a diamond necklace and wrote, “my first diamond. Let me show off. If you meet the right man, there are so many things you get to experience for the first time.” She was also criticized for posts showcasing luxury gifts, including Chanel products, while attributing them to “meeting a good man.”
However, the most controversial leak involved a conversation with her mother. According to screenshots circulating online, Kim had traveled to visit her boyfriend in the United States and paid for a meal during the trip. When her mother reportedly suggested that the boyfriend should have covered the bill since she had traveled so far to see him, Kim allegedly responded by calling her mother a “Kimchi.”
KJM: “The exchange rate for dollars is so expensive. If we eat a meal it’s around ₩100,000 KRW (about $64.10 USD) for the two of us. Just two ramyuns, some dumplings, and soft drinks.”
KJM’s Mother: “That’s right. Does he cover it?”
KJM: “No, I pay for things too. I paid for things yesterday because I was thankful as he filmed an ad with me.”
KJM’s Mother: “He lets his girlfriend pay for things?”
KJM: “Meals are expensive. I mean, we gotta take turns. Mom, are you a kimchi?”
The term “Kimchi woman” has long been used online as a derogatory expression aimed at women, suggesting that they are gold-diggers and materialistic. The backlash intensified after screenshots suggested that her mother did not understand the meaning of the term and innocently asked whether it referred to a traditional Korean woman.
Many netizens criticized what they saw as hypocrisy, pointing out that Kim was publicly showing off expensive gifts from her boyfriend while simultaneously mocking her mother over expectations regarding dating expenses. Additional criticism arose after allegations that Kim shared unverified rumors involving influencers and celebrities. She even alleged that Single’s Inferno Park Hee Sun received sponsors.
As criticism continued to grow, Kim Ji Min issued a public apology on June 6.
“I sincerely apologize for causing concern through posts that were written in a personal space.”
She added that she deeply reflected on the impact her comments had on others, even if they were originally shared in a limited setting. Kim also specifically apologized for sharing content whose facts had not been verified.
“I sincerely apologize to Park Hee Sun, agency staff, and fans who may have been hurt by images whose facts had not been clearly confirmed.”
Kim Ji Min first gained recognition through Channel A’s dating reality show Heart Signal 4 in 2023. The controversy has since become a major topic of discussion online, with netizens continuing to debate both the contents of the leaked posts and the ethics of sharing private social media content without consent.
