K-pop idols Yeonjun of Tomorrow X Together (TXT) and Felix of Stray Kids found themselves in hot water for posting Japanese-linked contents during South Korea’s National Liberation Day on Aug 15.
Yeonjun, 24, faced criticism after he posted on Instagram photos taken in Japan on National Liberation Day, which commemorates the liberation of the Korean peninsula from Japanese colonial rule on Aug 15, 1945.
Many South Koreans felt it was inappropriate to share images related to Japan on such an important day. The backlash was swift.
“I deeply apologise for my careless action on the day with such historical significance. I will reflect on my lack of awareness and be more cautious in the future,” Yeonjun apologised on global fan platform Weverse on Aug 15.
Felix, 23, was also slammed after he mentioned a Japanese anime challenge for a short-form video, while interacting that same day with fans on Bubble, a fan app.
Given the day’s historical weight, fans expressed disappointment over what they saw as a lack of sensitivity.
Felix quickly issued an apology through his agency JYP Entertainment on Aug 15, expressing deep regret for his actions and acknowledging his lack of awareness.
According to South Korean media, the scrutiny that K-pop idols face is rooted in the significant role they play in South Korean society.
Unlike celebrities in North America or Europe, who may enjoy greater leeway in their personal and public lives, K-pop idols are expected to be role models, upholding their professional image while cultivating a strong sense of respect.
This is particularly important in South Korea, where the entertainment industry is closely tied to the national identity.
Seoul-based music critic Kim Do-heon, while acknowledging the high expectations placed on K-pop idols, argues that the blame does not rest solely on them.
“Idols are not creators and they are told what to say and how to act in public by their agencies,” he said on Aug 16.
“This is why Western media sometimes describe K-pop singers as ‘manufactured’ by entertainment companies.” – The Korea Herald/Asia News Network
