Veteran singer and actor Kim Dong-wan has shared a thoughtful response following criticism over several controversial posts on social media, saying he has come to realize the broader impact his words can have on others.

On June 13, Kim posted a lengthy message on his personal social media account, reflecting on a recent conversation that prompted him to reconsider his actions and responsibilities as a public figure.

According to Kim, the turning point came during a discussion with a prominent marketing professional. He recalled being asked a question that left a strong impression on him:

“Have you ever considered the families of the people working with you, Mr. Dong-wan?”

Kim explained that the comment made him realize that when a public controversy occurs, the consequences extend far beyond the individual at the center of the issue.

“When something goes wrong because of my mistake, it doesn’t simply end with me being criticized,” he wrote. “I’ve only now come to understand that the people involved and even their families can be affected.”

The Shinhwa member admitted that while he believed he had been living responsibly, the recent criticism encouraged him to look back on his behavior more honestly.

“I thought I was living responsibly,” he continued. “But when I reflect on my actions, I realize there were many times when I acted irresponsibly.”

Kim also indicated that he plans to change the way he interacts with online content moving forward. Referring to social media algorithms and the influence of online discussions, he said he would avoid engaging with material that could lead to unnecessary controversy.

“From now on, I won’t even read or look at posts that could become problematic,” he explained. “Life is already short enough that we should spend it seeing good things and enjoying happy moments.”

He added that his main goal is to properly fulfill the responsibilities that come with his position and the trust placed in him by others.

The statement comes after Kim faced criticism for several comments and social media interactions that generated negative reactions online. Among the most controversial were posts that some interpreted as expressing support for the legalization of prostitution, as well as public messages of encouragement directed toward television personality Dingdong, who had previously been involved in a widely reported assault case involving a female broadcaster.

Those incidents sparked debate among fans and online communities, with some questioning Kim’s judgment and the messages being conveyed through his public statements.

While Kim did not directly address each individual controversy in his latest post, many observers viewed his message as an acknowledgment of the criticism and an attempt to take responsibility for the impact of his actions.

Reactions to his statement have been mixed. Some fans praised him for reflecting on the situation and publicly admitting that he had made mistakes. Others argued that genuine accountability requires more direct engagement with the specific issues that caused concern in the first place.

Kim Dong-wan debuted in 1998 as a member of Shinhwa, one of the longest-running groups in K-pop history. Over the years, he has built a career as both a singer and actor while maintaining a reputation for openly sharing his opinions on social and political topics.

His latest message suggests that he may be taking a more cautious approach to social media in the future. Whether that decision helps repair his public image remains to be seen, but his comments indicate a growing awareness of how the actions of public figures can affect not only themselves, but also the people around them.

For now, Kim says he intends to focus on positivity, responsibility, and avoiding the kinds of online discussions that have recently placed him at the center of controversy.