Ryu Jun Yeol Denies Allegations That He Is An Ilbe Supporter

Ryu Jun Yeol denies allegations that he is a supporter of a controversial Korean website, following an Instagram post (@ryusdb) which drew criticism from netizens.

Ryu is shrouded in controversy after he shared a photo which depicted him in the midst of climbing a steep rock formation.

An article published by Newsen outlined the events surrounding his scandal and subsequent response. 

"Going to go get tofu for [my] mom," said Ryu, in the caption of the Instagram post.

This quote sparked a firestorm of responses from Korean-language users, who speculated that the actor was using slang terms to reference the suicide of former president Roh Moo Hyun, who committed suicide in May 2009, by jumping from a mountain cliff outside of his home.

On February 24, the "Reply 1988" actor issued a statement decrying claims that his recent post of a rock climbing photo was an attempt to show his allegiance to Ilbe, a nickname for the website, Ilgan Best.

"I don't use Ilbe," said Ryu, in his Instagram statement, after providing clarification regarding the reference to tofu and errands for his mother. "I don't know why anyone would say this and even though this isn't the truth, there are a lot of fans that may have been hurt."

His agency, CjES Entertainment, swiftly reacted to the claims, denying his use of the site or support of hard-line, right-wing views.

Ilbe is a controversial website that bears some resemblance to 4Chan. Its anonymity and lack of social hierarchy have provided an environment where alleged fascist views are shared with an emphasis on freedom of speech. 

Ryu currently appears alongside fellow "Reply 1988" actors Park Bo Gum, Go Kyung Pyo and Ahn Jae Hong in the latest installment of the reality show, "Youth Over Flowers."

He is also promoting the CJ Entertainment-distributed, coming-of-age film, "Glory Day."