Former K-pop sensation's mosque project faces local's backlash in Korea, deets inside

Former K-pop star turned YouTuber, Daud Kim, aimed to construct a mosque in Incheon, South Korea, encountering both local opposition and allegations of fraud. Known previously as Jay Kim in the K-pop world, Daud Kim embraced Islam in 2020, seeking to contribute to the Muslim community in his homeland.

Despite his sizable YouTube following of over 5.55 million subscribers, Daud Kim's plan faced setbacks. He appealed to his supporters for financial assistance, igniting hope for increased prayer spaces for Muslims in South Korea. However, his efforts were met with resistance from locals and accusations of fraudulent activity.

Local resistance against K-pop star

The proposed mosque site in Incheon met with opposition from neighboring residents fearing property devaluation. The landowner, reacting to community pressure, terminated the land contract, halting the project's progress. Non-Muslim residents expressed concerns about declining housing prices and voiced objections on online forums, intensifying the dispute.

Administrative challenges

Besides local resistance, administrative hurdles hindered the mosque's realization. Failure to secure necessary permits due to inadequate road conditions at the site posed significant obstacles. This administrative setback added to the complexity of Daud Kim's ambitious endeavor.

Past struggles allegations

Daud Kim's endeavor in Incheon wasn't his first attempt at mosque construction. Previous efforts in Daegu faced similar opposition, leading to project abandonment. Moreover, allegations of financial impropriety tainted his reputation, with accusations of misusing funds from a previous mosque project. These controversies, coupled with personal life turmoil, further complicated the mosque initiative.

Personal life challenges of K-pop star

Amidst these challenges, Daud Kim's personal life faced scrutiny, with allegations of domestic abuse and marital discord. His wife, Mia, who converted alongside him, shared troubling accounts, accusing him of abuse and fleeing divorce proceedings.