Some people online called actress Hwang Jung Eum's recent free giveaway event a "dump of broken toys," and she is now speaking out about it.

On February 12 (KST), Hwang announced on social media that she would be giving away toys that her two sons had used near her home. This is when the controversy started. At first, people praised the gesture, but soon reports came out saying that she had left out old and broken things, which led to backlash.

Her agency didn't make a public statement as the criticism grew. Koreaboo says that her management's silence drew attention because there were reports that her relationship with the company had gotten worse in the past few months.

But a private citizen came forward to refute the claims. A netizen known as "A" shared their firsthand account after visiting the site on February 14, according to Nate News.

The person who wrote the post said, "It didn't look like trash at all," stressing that the kids' toys were neatly arranged in a big yard and in a bed that looked like a car. The post also said that clothes, bags, and shoes for adults were arranged in a way that looked like a flea market.

The person also expressed anger about the rumors, stating that they were upset by the false reports. The person who commented on the actress also complimented her behavior, saying that Hwang was kind and even gave visitors shopping bags so that they could carry things back home.

Hwang later thanked the supporter directly in the comments section. She wrote, "Thank you. Since the article wasn't true anyway, I wasn't responding. I saw it after people around me said a post had come up. I'm giving away toys, baby clothes, and books, so please spread the word. Be careful not to catch a cold."

After the netizen's explanation went viral online, it seemed like people's opinions changed. Some commenters expressed negative opinions about those who had criticized the actress.

One person wrote, "What's wrong with people? Complaining about a free giveaway?" Another stated, "Seems like nothing at all, just keyboard warriors doing a witch hunt, tsk tsk. Instead of leaving nasty comments on celebrities, go live your own life."

Hwang, who is raising her two sons after a very public divorce, has not made any more official statements. The event demonstrates the swiftness with which online arguments can escalate and the swiftness with which new information can alter stories.