Recently, male fans burned Red Velvet's merchandise after Irene revealed she read 'Kim Ji Young, Born 1982', a feminist novel. 

It's later revealed that other major figures in the entertainment industry, such as BTS' RM and Yoo Jae Suk, have also read the novel, however, they were never met with such harsh criticism. 

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During a past Naver V Live broadcast, RM mentioned 'Kim Ji Young, Born 1982' and commented, "It was impressive because it had a unique implication." 'Nation's MC' Yoo Jae Suk also revealed he enjoyed the novel in the past. 

Many are asking why only the female celebrity is being attacked for reading the novel. Comments defending Irene stated, "It's abnormal how this has even become a controversy", "People need to get a life", "Only because she's a pretty girl..."