On March 21, a post titled “The Reason Ryu Jun Yeol’s Sincerity Is In Question” went viral.

In the post, a netizen uploaded several instances in which Ryu Jun Yeol showed hypocritical behavior. The post is translated below.

1. Advocacy for climate change

The netizen first points out that Ryu Jun Yeol is a vocal advocate for climate change. He is even an ambassador for Green Peace, a foundation fighting for climate change, and last year took part in the foundation’s campaign to save polar bears.

The actor has often criticized the use of plastic in Korea. Notably, he chastized food companies for packaging fruits and vegetables in plastic.

He also carries a tote bag made from the skin of a calf that isn’t even 6 months old.

2. Maximalist

Ryu Jun Yeol claimed that he disavowed himself from trying to get rich.

From early on, I tried to stay away from thinking I wanted to be rich. Of course, becoming rich is great. But, even before my debut, I tried not to think like that and when fans asked me to wish them to succeed or become rich, I would instead write Be happy.

— Ry Jun Yeol

He claimed that he didn’t care about real estate and that he felt it was impossible for him to own commercial property. But turns out that he made over ₩4.00 billion KRW (about $3.01 million USD) in speculative real estate deals in which he borrowed 90% of the principal capital in bank loans.

Ryu Jun Yeol’s love for books has also been questioned. He claims to wake up at 5 AM to read books and isn’t able to leave his home without them. However, he admitted to not knowing who Hermann Hesse, a renowned author, is. He also recommends the educational channel EBS, despite claiming to be an avid reader.

Netizens have reacted strongly to these revelations, with many calling the actor an embarrassment and criticizing his hypocrisy. One netizen commented, “It would be one thing if he didn’t say anything. All of his actions are contradictory. It is impossible to call yourself an avid reader and not know who Hermann Hesse is.”

• He really said he can’t leave the house without his camera and books, lol. His other post about resting was also hilarious.
• LOL.
• Embarrassing.
• Lol, what a joke.
• Comic books are books, too!!!
• He has a severe case of make-believe.
• It would be one thing if he didn’t say anything. All of his actions are contradictory. It is impossible to call yourself an avid reader and not know who Hermann Hesse is. It’s understandable if he never read his books, but to not even know who he is…
• He tries to come off as a well-traveled man, but he was banned from a hotel for going to breakfast wearing a shower gown and slippers. He’s a national embarrassment. F@ck.
• Sigh, I can’t believe he doesn’t know who Hermann Hesse is.

What are your thoughts? Tell us on the comment below.