Behind the good-looking men lies a string of controversies

A long string of issues and controversies are surrounding the 9th Mister International in Seoul, Korea. And right before the new winner is announced hours from now. Several National Directors from Latin America started the mudslinging with accusations of alleged theft, non-reimbursement of funds and unfair preferential treatment given to some candidates. Even the ND of representatives from the Caribbean nations spoke about the issue, albeit in a less war-like tone. And just very recently, Mister Argentina Daniel Dario Cajiao withdrew from the competition, probably to sympathize with the other entries from South America who were not able to travel to Seoul.

So really, why did Mister Slovenia arrive very late in Seoul? And why did Mister Puerto Rico check-in only halfway through the pre-pageant? And whatever happened to the no-shows in the host city? Why is there no entry from Venezuela? Is it true that its ND was allegedly stripped of the franchise in an unceremonious manner?

As for the latest intrigue about Alan, the buzz is that the whole group is being kicked out of the hotel (Hotel Inter-Burgo 安山) where the candidates and organizers are billeted. The alleged reason is for non-payment of bills. To this, he opted to just ignore and feel entertained with the additional publicity.

But then again, I believe that Mr. Sim should set the record straight once and for all. If he cares at all for the Mister International brand he has built through the years, then he needs to step out and answer all the allegations. And if he prefers to do that Presscon right after the new winner is elected, then fine.

I shall wait for further developments, hopefully to put a positive conclusion to all of these negativity.

Otherwise, whoever ends up winning as the 9th Mister International could find himself in a state of foreboding the minute his name is announced as the successor of Jose Anmer Paredes. :-/