[120203] Hullabaloos about Naggomsu



Hullabaloos about Naggomsu
What’s all this fuss about? Will it be a trial for the podcast pioneer?

Images captured from the Internet homepage of a group working for the release of Chung Bong-ju, a former opposition lawmaker and one of four Naggomsu members put behind bars for criticizing President Lee Myunb-bak. Some female fans uploaded photos of themselves in bikinis on the online club and one of them created a stir in the society as the voluntary protester wrote on her breasts “I want Chung out to the point of my breasts exploding.” Later, the Naggomsu members have drawn criticism for their response, which some people described as sexually inappropriate.



Podcast broadcasting has been flourishing more and more here in South Korea over the past several months. Some of the early contents on smart-mobile devices like iPhone had largely been for on-demand rerun/replay of established television and radio programs. But the podcast marketplace is now flooded with more creative items, most of which might be categorized as alternative media.
Behind the latest popularity of podcast broadcasting is the exceptional contribution of “Naneun ggomsuda (Naggomsu),” or “I’m a Petty-Minded Creep,” which has served not merely as a talk show encouraging young people’s interest in politics and current affairs but as an alternative news media raising suspicions of illicit activities by those with vested rights. (Learn more about Naggomsu with a New York Times article.)
Similar podcast programs have been blossoming since the emergence of Naggomsu, as both the progressive and conservative forces noticed the enormous influence of the alternative media (along with the social network services).
But there is a huge gap between the pioneer and followers. Once one has paved way, it is easy for others to simply follow suit. And that’s why, unlike other imitators, every single word and deed of the four Naggomsu stars (including ex-lawmaker Chung Bong-ju currently in prison) becomes the hot talk of the town.
Over the past week, Naggomsu has been in the center of controversy over a “bikini demonstration” by a female fan supporting the imprisoned colleague. (Learn more about the controversy with a Korea Times report.)
Of course the event, which even some of the fans saw as a blunder, invited massive counterattacks from the “enemies” – those harshly criticized so far by Naggomsu, including the country’s major conservative newspapers as well as the Lee Myung-bak administration and other conservative forces.
Despite some demands for apologies, it is uncertain which course of action the Naggomsu members would take in the end. Some argue that it could be a trial for them that could lead to a decrease of influence. Still there are many others who hope the podcast pioneer would get through all those hullabaloos in a wise manner.

By pushahead
Friday, Feb. 3, 2012


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