The Boyz member Sunwoo has been at the center of recent controversies, but a new story has emerged highlighting his kindness. A man who was once homeless came forward to share how Sunwoo helped him during his lowest moments, providing financial support and encouragement when he had nowhere else to turn.
The man’s story was originally shared anonymously in January 2025 on a YouTube channel dedicated to personal narratives. At the time, he did not reveal the identity of the person who helped him, referring to him only as “Sunwoo hyung.” However, after Sunwoo faced backlash over the “AirPods controversy,” the man decided to speak up, confirming that the kind stranger was indeed the THE BOYZ idol.
The Homeless Man’s Story
The man described his difficult life, growing up in foster care and later becoming homeless after leaving the system. He enlisted in the military to earn money for his younger brother’s leukemia treatment, but after his service, he struggled to find stable housing. He moved to Seoul, sleeping in saunas and surviving on one cup of ramen a day while taking odd jobs.
One day, while playing the game PUBG at a PC cafe, he met someone who was easy to talk to. After sharing his struggles, the stranger—later revealed to be Sunwoo—offered immediate help.
“He asked me, ‘Did you eat?’, and I said I didn’t. He sent me a taxi to Chungdam-dong, treated me to yukhoe bibimbap and grilled meat, and listened to my story. Then he said, ‘Tell me your bank account number.’ My hands shook as I gave it to him, and he sent me an unbelievable amount of money. He told me, ‘Stay at a motel until you get paid, and make sure to eat at least two meals a day.’ When I asked how I could repay him, he said, ‘You don’t have to. Just help someone else when you’re doing better.’”
The man followed Sunwoo’s advice and later helped another person in need, remembering the idol’s words.
Why He Decided to Reveal Sunwoo’s Identity
The man explained that he initially had no idea Sunwoo was an idol, as Sunwoo had only introduced himself as a dancer. However, after seeing the “AirPods controversy” and the wave of negative comments, he felt compelled to defend Sunwoo’s character.
“I couldn’t bear to see Sunwoo hyung being misunderstood. To me, he is someone who helped me when I had no money for food or shelter. He even supported me when I had severe eczema and needed hospital visits. It was the first time I thought, ‘Is this what having family feels like?’ The Sunwoo hyung I know is quick to help strangers without expecting anything in return. He is not the person people are judging based on that short video.”
Mixed Reactions from Netizens
The revelation sparked strong reactions online. Many were moved by the story, while others questioned its timing.
“I remember seeing this story months ago. It was Sunwoo from THE BOYZ? I thought it was some older man.”
“This is like something out of a drama. It’s amazing that someone actually experienced this.”
“People were judging him based on a few seconds of footage. This shows how dangerous viral clips can be.”
“I remember seeing this. It was Sunwoo from The Boyz?? I thought for sure it would be some ahjusshi.”
“I thought this story was about some anonymous civilian probably in their forties.”
“I saw this some time ago. Who knew it would come back up like this?”
“You can tell that the person seriously wanted to do something for Sunwoo after seeing the ‘Airpods controversy’.”
“I had no idea that this ‘Sunwoo’ was that ‘Sunwoo hyung’!!!!”
“That’s hard to do, even for a rich person.”
“This is karma in action!! If you do good, it will come back and help you out when you need it!!”
“I can’t believe a young person helped a stranger out like that. This story is so moving.”
“Honestly, it’s scary what a single viral video can do…”
“Too many people were judging him based on a few seconds of footage. The fact that people started attacking him with whatever else they could dig up the moment they saw a weak spot… I’m losing my faith in humanity.”
“This story is like something out of a drama. It’s crazy to see that someone actually experienced it.”
However, some remained skeptical:
“They really be trying…”
“Even if he helped someone, that doesn’t excuse his other behavior.”
Sunwoo’s Recent Controversies
The “AirPods incident” involved a viral video where Sunwoo dropped his AirPods, and a security guard picked them up. Sunwoo accepted them with one hand and walked away without a visible thank you, leading to accusations of rudeness. Actress Nana publicly criticized him, saying, “He needs to be scolded.” Sunwoo and his agency, ONE HUNDRED, later issued apologies .
Additionally, Sunwoo faced backlash over resurfaced pre-debut AskFM posts containing misogynistic remarks, further complicating public perception .
Sunwoo’s Apology
In his formal apology, Sunwoo acknowledged his mistakes without making excuses:
“I don’t want to simply ask for forgiveness, nor am I saying that I was misunderstood. If anyone perceived me in a certain way, then I must acknowledge that perhaps I truly was that kind of person to them. What I need to do now is prove—to both you and myself—that I am not that person.”
This situation highlights how public figures are often judged based on isolated incidents, while their quieter acts of kindness go unnoticed. Sunwoo’s story serves as a reminder that people are complex, and one moment does not define their entire character.
Credits: allkpop
