In the fast-paced world of Korean entertainment, where idols and celebrities are under constant scrutiny, a single offhand joke or comment can ignite widespread backlash. Fans and netizens are quick to call out insensitivity, leading to apologies, activity halts, or lasting damage to reputations.
This listicle highlights 7 such cases, drawn from media reports, online discussions, and viral incidents. These examples underscore the fine line between humor and offense in a culturally sensitive industry. Remember, contexts vary, and many have apologized.
1. JYJ's Jaejoong
Jaejoong sparked outrage with an April Fools' prank claiming he had contracted COVID-19, intending to raise awareness but instead trivializing the pandemic. Netizens in Korea and Japan criticized him heavily, resulting in canceled Japanese activities and public apologies.
2. Super Junior's Heechul
On "Street Alcohol Fighter," Heechul asked WINNER's Song Min-ho and Kang Seung-yoon if they watched "Panda TV," an adult content site, making the juniors uncomfortable. The joke was seen as inappropriate and bordering on harassment, leading to backlash and the scene being edited out of the show.
3. Super Junior's Donghae
During a 2018 episode of "Super TV," Donghae pretended to hit Red Velvet's Irene after she lost a game, startling her. Netizens condemned it as promoting violence against women, sparking debates on his character despite his immediate apology and their company ties.
4. Super Junior's Kyu Hyun
Kyu Hyun interrupted a paid fan call between Girls' Generation's Taeyeon and a fan in 2022, disrupting the limited two-minute session. Fans called it rude and inconsiderate, especially since the fan had paid for exclusive time, though some defended it as playful sibling-like behavior.
5. Kangnam
Kangnam joked about "hitting" Nine Muses' Kyungri on a show, saying he could "beat her up until she dies" if asked. The violent undertone drew sharp criticism from netizens for being insensitive, prompting discussions on appropriate humor in variety shows.
6. Lovelyz's Mijoo
Mijoo faced massive backlash after asking a male student invasive questions about his relationship on a broadcast, implying they had "gone all the way" and pressuring him with "Aren't you a man?" The video was made private amid criticism, and she issued an apology for the discomfort caused.
7. SHINee's Taemin and Key
In a recent episode, Taemin and Key made colorist jokes about member Minho's tan skin, saying he'd disappear in the dark if he closed his eyes and mouth. The remarks resurfaced Minho's past insecurities, leading to viral criticism for perpetuating colorism; both apologized via Instagram, acknowledging the offense.
In the fast-paced world of Korean entertainment, where idols and celebrities are under constant scrutiny, a single offhand joke or comment can ignite widespread backlash. Fans and netizens are quick to call out insensitivity, leading to apologies, activity halts, or lasting damage to reputations. This listicle highlights 7 such cases, drawn from media reports, online discussions, and viral incidents. These examples underscore the fine line between humor and offense in a culturally sensitive industry. Remember, contexts vary, and many have apologized.
1. JYJ's Jaejoong
Jaejoong sparked outrage with an April Fools' prank claiming he had contracted COVID-19, intending to raise awareness but instead trivializing the pandemic. Netizens in Korea and Japan criticized him heavily, resulting in canceled Japanese activities and public apologies.
2. Super Junior's Heechul
On "Street Alcohol Fighter," Heechul asked WINNER's Song Min-ho and Kang Seung-yoon if they watched "Panda TV," an adult content site, making the juniors uncomfortable. The joke was seen as inappropriate and bordering on harassment, leading to backlash and the scene being edited out of the show.
3. Super Junior's Donghae
During a 2018 episode of "Super TV," Donghae pretended to hit Red Velvet's Irene after she lost a game, startling her. Netizens condemned it as promoting violence against women, sparking debates on his character despite his immediate apology and their company ties.
4. Super Junior's Kyu Hyun
Kyu Hyun interrupted a paid fan call between Girls' Generation's Taeyeon and a fan in 2022, disrupting the limited two-minute session. Fans called it rude and inconsiderate, especially since the fan had paid for exclusive time, though some defended it as playful sibling-like behavior.
5. Kangnam
Kangnam joked about "hitting" Nine Muses' Kyungri on a show, saying he could "beat her up until she dies" if asked. The violent undertone drew sharp criticism from netizens for being insensitive, prompting discussions on appropriate humor in variety shows.
6. Lovelyz's Mijoo
Mijoo faced massive backlash after asking a male student invasive questions about his relationship on a broadcast, implying they had "gone all the way" and pressuring him with "Aren't you a man?" The video was made private amid criticism, and she issued an apology for the discomfort caused.
7. SHINee's Taemin and Key
In a recent episode, Taemin and Key made colorist jokes about member Minho's tan skin, saying he'd disappear in the dark if he closed his eyes and mouth. The remarks resurfaced Minho's past insecurities, leading to viral criticism for perpetuating colorism; both apologized via Instagram, acknowledging the offense.
