“‘I Am Solo’ contestant is the child of the family that stiffed my parents” post sparks debate: “Is this guilt by association?” [What do you think?]

[Financial News] An online post alleging that a contestant on a dating reality show is the child of a couple who borrowed money from the writer’s parents in the past and never repaid it has sparked controversy.

On the 13th, a post appeared on the online community Bobaedream saying, “I saw my elementary school classmate who stiffed my parents on a TV show.”
The author, identified as A, said they did not usually watch variety shows but checked the contestant’s face after seeing discussion about Season 34 of I’m Solo in a group chat with friends.
A wrote, “I froze the moment I saw the screenshot,” and, “My elementary school classmate’s face was right there on the screen.” A added, “I had such mixed feelings. It was a face I really did not want to see.”
A claimed that the contestant’s parents had borrowed money from A’s parents in the past and still had not paid it back.
A said, “My childhood memories of it are still very vivid,” and, “When my parents went to collect the money, all they got in return was vicious insults and abusive language—not a promise to pay it back.”
A added, “For quite some time, my parents couldn’t sleep at night and went through tremendous emotional distress,” and said, “In the end, there was nothing they could do, either legally or in practical terms, so they gave up and have lived with that ever since.”
A wrote, “Seeing the person on TV smiling leaves me with such mixed feelings,” and, “I don’t know whether they even know what their parents did.”
A said, “I don’t want to rashly blow this up and cause indiscriminate harm to the program or broadcaster,” and, “It has already been more than 20 years since my parents lent the money and never got it back, and I have no intention of trying to recover it now.”
A added, “But if you know about this, please offer a sincere apology. One apology is enough,” and, “If you didn’t know, I hope that at least now you’ll realize what kind of money you’ve been living on.”

Netizens who heard the story were divided. Some criticized the debtor’s side, commenting, “People who cheat others out of money must pay for it,” “The sins of parents pass down to their children and grandchildren,” and “They cheated others out of money while their children seem to have lived in luxury.”
Many argued that the money should be recovered rather than stopping at an apology. They commented, “Why not try to get the money back? You should demand even more, including interest,” “Pay it back now, with inflation factored in,” and “Call them first and record the conversation, then send a certified letter documenting the claim.”
Others continued to argue that it was inappropriate to hold the child responsible. Some netizens commented, “If the money dealings were between the parents, the person in question definitely wouldn’t know,” “You shouldn’t publicly confront a child over a financial debt between parents. You could be sued for defamation,” and “If you post this without evidence, even an uninvolved contestant could be harmed.”
[email protected] Seong Min-seo Reporter