[Sportschosun reporter Jung An-ji] Singer Ha Chun-hwa shocked viewers by revealing the extreme displays of affection from fans during her peak years, which were beyond imagination.
Ha Chun-hwa appeared on tvN's "You Quiz on the Block," which aired on the 24th, marking the 65th anniversary of her debut.
Ha Chun-hwa, who debuted in 1961 at the age of 6, became a living legend in Korea's music industry with titles such as "the best, the first, and the most."
Ha Chun-hwa recalled, "I did 10 commercials at the time and also worked as a fashion model and film actress." She added, "Back then, when a song became a hit, a film was made using the title, and the singer had to appear in it. That is why Namjin and Na Hoon-a also made movies."
But along with her enormous popularity, she also had to endure fans' jealousy and hostility. Ha Chun-hwa said, "I was hated a lot." She explained, "Broadcast stations gave one award each for male singer and female singer. I would receive the female singer award, but the male singer would change." She continued, "Then fans on both sides would dislike me." She added, "When I received an award with Na Hoon-a, Namjin's fans hated it. When I received one with Namjin, Na Hoon-a's fans hated it. The hostility was intense. When I sang, they would walk out."
Ha Chun-hwa also recalled the extreme behavior of some fans at the time. She said, "During a performance, my body started stinging, and when I looked, my whole body had turned red." She added, "When security checked the audience, they found that someone on the second floor had bent nails and was firing them with a slingshot," shocking everyone.
She went on to say, "Some fans would keep colorful tape with them, and when a singer leaned forward, they would loop the tape around the neck and try to choke them." She added, "Security came out and stopped them," causing another wave of shock. Ha Chun-hwa also said, "When I reached out to shake hands, some people would hide razor blades between their fingers and scratch me as they pulled away." Yoo Jae-suk, who heard this, was stunned and said, "That's terrifying. How could anyone do that? That's terrorism."
Recalling how the matter even led to a police investigation, Ha Chun-hwa said, "They told me to come in as a witness. I went and always asked for leniency, saying I did not believe they had bad intentions." Yoo Jae-suk then raised his voice and said, "There should be no leniency."
When Ha Chun-hwa said, "It was not out of malice, but simply an expression of how much they liked me," Yoo Jae-suk shot back, "Who expresses affection with a razor blade?" drawing attention with his angry response.
anjee85@sportschosun.com
