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“SEVEN” Producers Allegedly Made Xenophobic Comments About Jungkook

Jungkook

BTS‘ Jungkook‘s hit single “SEVEN” has been making waves on the charts, but the song’s producers are now facing backlash for some comments they made. BTS’ fans, collectively known as ARMY, are calling out Andrew Watt and Cirkut, the producers of “SEVEN,” for their offensive and xenophobic remarks about Jungkook.

The controversy began when Forbes published an interview with Watt and Cirkut about the success of “SEVEN.” While they had many positive things to say about Jungkook, some of their comments didn’t sit well with ARMY.

First, Cirkut referred to ARMY as “rabid,” a term that many feel perpetuates negative stereotypes about K-pop fans. He commented on the overwhelming response from Jungkook‘s followers on social media, stating, “It’s amazing how fans of BTS and Jungkook are just so supportive and loyal. It’s just pretty crazy.”

Jeon Jungkook, American superstar?

However, what really rubbed ARMY the wrong way was Watt’s comparison of Jungkook‘s release of “SEVEN” to Justin Timberlake‘s solo career. Timberlake was a member of *NSYNC until 2002, the year he went his own way, an implication that did not go unnoticed by fans. Many fans took to social media to express their concerns about the insinuation that Jungkook might leave BTS.

In the same vein, Watt referred to Jungkook as a “superstar” but distinguished between his career before and after the release of “SEVEN.” Watt stated that Jungkook has now reached the level of an “American superstar.” Fans interpreted this as an attempt to downplay his previous success as a Korean superstar. It seemed to them that Watt wanted to emphasize Jungkook’s American success as if it were more important.

ARMY asserted Jungkook’s identity as a Korean artist and criticized the song’s producers for their comments, which some said smacked of xenophobia. They disliked the Western media’s attempts to claim Jungkook’s success as their own and strip him of his Korean identity.

This issue underscores the importance of cultural sensitivity and respect for artists’ identities and backgrounds. Despite the ruckus, “SEVEN” continues to set records, proving Jungkook’s undeniable talent and global appeal. – K-Pop News Writer

정국 (Jung Kook) ‘Seven’ Recording Film

Featured Image: Jungkook’s time with Watt and Cirkut was featured in a video about the recording process. Source: YouTube/BANGTANTV.

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SEVENTEEN Turns Staff Member’s Wedding into Mini Concert

Due to a heartwarming display of camaraderie and affection, K-pop sensation SEVENTEEN became the talk of the town. They turned a staff member’s wedding into a mini concert, much to the delight of the bride, the groom, and the guests.

The staff member in question has been with SEVENTEEN since pre-debut. Their decision to sing at the wedding was a touching tribute to their long-standing relationship. They surprised not only the newlyweds but also fans worldwide, as videos of what happened went viral on social media platforms like Twitter.

SEVENTEEN—minus Mingyu, who had a schedule conflict, and Seungkwan, who’s still on hiatus due to illness—went onstage with infectious energy. Despite having only four microphones, they created an atmosphere similar to their concerts. Performance Unit Leader Hoshi, known for his charismatic stage presence, led the guests in a call-and-response, saying, “When we say Aju, you say NICE.” The crowd’s enthusiastic response set the stage for a memorable performance.

https://twitter.com/hosh4love/status/1685739385508265984

“VERY NICE” was the right choice for the occasion. The song’s infectious chorus and upbeat tempo set the perfect tone for such a joyous event. “VERY NICE” also holds significant sentimental value for the members and their fans. As one of their signature tracks, it has become a beloved tradition during encores. By bringing it to their staff member’s wedding, SEVENTEEN showed the affection and appreciation they have for someone who has been with them from the start.

Their performance offers a glimpse into Korean wedding culture, where friends or family members do a nuptial dance or song to bless the couple’s marriage. While dance teams or professional singers are sometimes hired, having a world-renowned K-pop group perform at your wedding is undoubtedly a unique experience.

SEVENTEEN and weddings

This isn’t the first time that the members of SEVENTEEN have brought their infectious energy to someone’s wedding. The BooSeokSoon (BSS) sub-unit, consisting of DK, Hoshi, and Seungkwan, has been known to do such things. When the producer of One Fine Day in Japan got married, the trio performed for him. They also performed at DK’s sister’s wedding.

When the brother of their producer Bumzu got married, the trio didn’t just attend as guests. They also performed their hit “Just Do It.” However, what caught people’s attention was the twist they put on the song. Instead of singing “Walk without hesitation,” they did “Kiss without hesitation” for the couple. This small yet significant tweak turned their upbeat song into something more romantic. 

Seventeen BooSeokSoon – Just Do It Wedding Performance

Bumzu expressed his gratitude to BSS for performing at the wedding through his Instagram story, sharing photos to celebrate the happy occasion.

SEVENTEEN‘s rendition of “VERY NICE” at their staff member’s wedding was a beautiful blend of friendship, music, and tradition. Their willingness to go the extra mile for their friends and staff is a testament to their humility and camaraderie—not to mention their unique ability to turn any event into a memorable celebration! – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Despite being down two members and having only four mikes, SEVENTEEN still got the wedding party on its feet. Source: Twitter/@KyeomsBaekery.

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Jungkook on “Suchwita”: The Biggest Moments From His Sit-Down With SUGA

BTS‘s Jungkook recently graced the set of bandmate SUGA‘s talk show, Suchwita. His appearance was a delightful mix of in-depth discussions, lighthearted moments, and surprises. Here are five of our favorite moments from the episode.

[슈취타] EP.15 SUGA with Jung Kook

SUGA’s Close Call with “SEVEN”

In June 2022, BTS announced a temporary hiatus from group activities, allowing members to enlist in the South Korean military and work on solo projects. That led to a slowdown in Jungkook‘s public appearances, sparking concerns among fans about his lack of schedules, particularly after his FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 performance in November.

Jungkook confessed to SUGA that he thoroughly enjoyed his break. Part of him wanted it to go on for a little longer. But listening to “Seven” for the first time prompted Jungkook to get back on the horse. He admitted that he might’ve continued to lie low if it weren’t for the song. SUGA playfully remarked that he would have sung the song himself if Jungkook hadn’t taken it.

The Story Behind Jungkook’s World Cup Performance

Last November, Jungkook became the first Korean artist to perform at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 opening ceremony. Behind-the-scenes videos of Jungkook‘s preparations for the performance revealed a challenging situation. He received the choreography for the opening ceremony only after arriving in Qatar.

On Suchwita, Jungkook revealed the reason for the last-minute choreography. He arrived in Qatar several days before the event and learned he wasn’t supposed to dance during the show. But feeling it would be weird if he didn’t dance, Jungkook asked for the choreography video. He taught himself the routine and then collaborated with the dancers. He changed parts of the choreography, guiding them through different formations. And, as the old saw goes, the rest is history. SUGA expressed his admiration for Jungkook‘s resourcefulness and talent, labeling him a “total superstar.”

A Touching Revelation about Jin

Jungkook and SUGA opened up about longing for live performances. But they also acknowledged the unfortunate reality that doing concerts as a whole group isn’t possible for them right now. 

The most touching revelation came when SUGA mentioned Jin‘s feelings. Despite being away from the group due to his military service, Jin shares their yearning to perform. SUGA shared that Jin called him, expressing his desire to be on stage. Jungkook confirmed SUGA‘s statements, revealing that Jin had said as much in their group chat.

Jungkook’s Future Plans

Jungkook also shared his future plans during the episode. He disclosed that he has another single ready to go, followed by the release of a mini album in November. Fans were pleased to hear about the golden maknae’s projects. Although Jungkook admitted that he has yet to start working on the songs for the mini album, his dedication to delivering quality music reassures fans that the wait will be worth it.

Discussing the success of his debut single, “Seven,” and his aspirations for the next one, Jungkook expressed his desire to find a song his fans will love as much as they loved “Seven.” While he hasn’t found it yet, knowing his perfectionism, fans can expect another musical masterpiece.

Jungkook’s Noraebang Session

SUGA prepared a karaoke machine for his dongsaeng. Known for his passing for singing, on and off stage, Jungkook often treats fans to impromptu karaoke performances through late-night Weverse lives. When he was on Suchwita, Jungkook showed off his chops by covering Sung Si Kyung‘s “The Road To Me” and “That That,” a song SUGA did with PSY.

As the episode ended, it was revealed that SUGA went straight home after filming while Jungkook stayed behind. He made the most of the karaoke machine his hyung set up. The staff later released a 15-minute “noraebang” (“karaoke” in Korean) clip to treat ARMY to more of Jungkook‘s delightful covers as the youngest member of BTS had fun singing his heart out.

[슈취타] Jung Kook Noraebang Clip

Jungkook‘s appearance on Suchwita gave fans entertainment and a peek at the other side of BTS. From SUGA‘s near miss with “Seven” to Jungkook‘s future plans, this episode had many memorable moments that fans will cherish for a long time. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: For Jungkook, this episode was a long time coming. Source: Twitter/@bts_bighit.

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Queendom Puzzle: Japan’s Shiroma Miru Goes Viral for NSFW Photobook

Shiroma Miru, a Japanese idol who nearly made it into IZ*ONE, is making waves in the K-pop scene on two fronts. First, there’s her participation in Queendom Puzzle. Second, there’s her photobook, REBORN. It dropped around the time of her graduation from NMB48, and served as a testament to her journey.

REBORN was quite risqué, featuring a series of bold and captivating images of Miru. This aspect of the photobook caused quite a stir among Korean netizens, especially given her ongoing participation in Queendom Puzzle. Some images from REBORN went viral, further increasing Miru‘s exposure and popularity in South Korea.

Who is Shiroma Miru?

Born on October 14, 1997, in Osaka, Miru started her journey at 13 when she got into NMB48‘s 1st Generation in 2010. Her successful career with NMB48 saw her participate in numerous singles and albums. She also held a concurrent position in AKB48‘s Team A from 2014 to 2015. Her popularity was reflected in the General Election, where fans voted for their favorites. She always ranked high, peaking at 8th place in 2018.

In 2018, Miru‘s journey took a significant turn when she decided to participate in Mnet’s Produce 48. On the show, she quickly gained popularity for her stage presence and talent. Miru showcased her ability to adapt to various concepts, from cute to sexy, and her performances were consistently praised. 

PRODUCE48 (프로듀스 48) Shiroma Miru (しろま　みる) All Stages

Despite her strong showing, she narrowly missed the chance to debut in IZ*ONE, finishing in 20th place. Her participation in the show marked her first foray into the Korean entertainment industry.

In 2023, news broke that Miru had graduated from NMB48 and become a soloist in Japan. Around the same time, it was announced that she would join Mnet’s new survival show, Queendom Puzzle. It features experienced idols competing to re-debut in a project group. News of her joining Queendom Puzzle was met with much excitement. Netizens expressed their support and wished her the best in the upcoming survival program.

Miru’s ‘Queendom Puzzle’ journey

The show began with a team battle where Miru‘s team, won performing the signal song “SNAP.” 

In the Remix Battle, her team remixed SHINee‘s “Don’t Call Me,” placing third. The All-Rounder Battle saw her Queendom team lose to the Puzzle team. Miru‘s performances, however, stood out due to her versatility and stage presence.

Miru secured a spot in the top 7 in the latest episode, which concluded the All-Rounder Battle. The Queendom team’s score fell short of the Puzzle team’s, so the Puzzle team members earned extra points. The episode also revealed the project group’s name, EL7Z U+P, and the initial team lineups for the semifinal songs, including Miru.

데뷔 13년 차 미루(MIRU)의 ♬ Shine Bright

The top 7 contestants were announced, and while Miru wasn’t listed, her consistent performances make her a strong contender. The episode ended with the elimination of five contestants. tripleS’s Seoyeon, Cherry Bullet’s Chaerin, MOMOLAND’s JooE, LIGHTSUM’s Sangah, and Weeekly’s Soeun were sent home. Despite the eliminations, the remaining contestants, including Miru, are gearing up for the semifinals and finals, set to air live on August 8 and August 15, respectively.

Since REBORN went viral, her fans are hoping the extra attention will be enough to get her into the debut team. But regardless of the outcome, Miru’s time in Queendom Puzzle has contributed to her growth as an artist and has established her as a rising star in K-pop. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Miru’s REBORN photobook has risqué images. Source: Twitter/@48RequestHour’s Twitter account.

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Nana From Woo!ah! Sits Down With Weverse Magazine

In an exclusive interview with Weverse Magazine, Nana, the dance leader of the girl group woo!ah!, opened up about her dance journey, her current standing on Queendom Puzzle, and the inspiration she draws from BLACKPINK‘s Jennie.

Nana, known for her exceptional dancing, has been captivating audiences with her performances on Mnet’s latest survival show, Queendom Puzzle. It features female idols who have already debuted, all battling for spots in a project girl group called EL7Z U+P. Out of the 26 contestants, only seven will make it into the debut team. Nana is currently in first place with 530,960 votes. She has nearly 130,000 more than the second placer.

“Dance has been my life,” Nana told Weverse Magazine. She has been dancing since her early years, participating in school talent shows and dance competitions. At 15, she decided to turn her passion into a career by going into K-pop.

[EN/JP] [#퀸덤퍼즐/1회] “충분히 판을 뒤집을 수 있을 것 같아요” 나나(NANA)의 ♬MOVE | #QUEENDOMPUZZLE Mnet 230613 방송

However, her transition to a trainee was challenging. She had to relearn dance from scratch and let go of bad habits she had picked up. “It was really hard learning how to dance all over again when I first became a trainee,” she confessed to Weverse. Despite the hurdles, Nana remained dedicated, practicing relentlessly to hone her skills.

In her interview with Weverse, Nana also revealed her unique practice routine. She practices in a dimly lit room to immerse herself in the mood of the dance. She also emphasizes the importance of feeling light while dancing. To achieve this, she runs around the practice studio a few times before practicing.

Nana talks her biggest inspiration

One of the most intriguing revelations from the interview was Nana‘s admiration for BLACKPINK‘s Jennie. She was greatly inspired by Jennie’s solo debut song “SOLO” (2018). “I feel like I learned a lot from her fashion choices and her overall vibe in that video,” she shared. Nana wants to emulate Jennie‘s skills as an idol. “The way she dances and the sound of her vocals are exactly the kind of artist I dream of becoming, so it’s been a big influence on me,” she told Weverse.

woo!ah! (우아!) · JENNIE – SOLO | Covered by NANA

Despite her accomplishments and current standing on Queendom Puzzle, Nana continues to aspire to be greater. “I don’t want to be put in a box, so I try to watch a lot of other artists and make it into my own,” she shared with Weverse.

In her sit-down with Weverse Magazine, Nana‘s dedication to her craft shone through. Her story proves that with hard work and determination, one can turn their passion into a successful career. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Nana is making waves on Mnet’s latest survival show. Source: Weverse Magazine.

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IVE’s Jang Wonyoung Criticized for Using Her iPhone to Post About Samsung

Jang Wonyoung, a member of the popular K-pop group IVE, recently found herself in the midst of a controversy. The issue arose when she used an iPhone-exclusive emoji on Instagram after attending a Samsung event. This seemingly innocuous act sparked a wave of criticism from netizens and media outlets alike.

On July 26, Samsung held their Unpacked event in South Korea. Wonyoung was not only a celebrity attendee but also ended up in the front row. She was even featured in a show-and-tell segment by American actress Sydney Sweeney, showcasing Samsung’s new ZFlip5 phone. The two young ladies took a selfie together with the new device, which Wonyoung later reposted on her Instagram.

However, the controversy erupted when observant netizens noticed she used a black heart emoji in her post, an emoji exclusive to the iPhone. Consequently, some accused her of being disloyal to the brand whose event she attended.

Fans defend Wonyoung

Nevertheless, a section of the public has come to her defense. They argued that Wonyoung isn’t an official Samsung endorser, so she’s under no obligation to use their products exclusively. Also, it’s worth noting that she has been featured in campaigns for Samsung, but this was due to her role as an endorsement model for SK Telecom, not Samsung directly.

This incident comes on the heels of another controversy involving her, where she was criticized for reacting poorly to a child approaching her. Despite the backlash, she continues to maintain a strong presence in the entertainment industry. In fact, IVE is getting ready for an October comeback. 

The controversy surrounding Wonyoung‘s iPhone use after the Samsung event is a perfect example of the intense scrutiny faced by celebrities in the digital age. Something as small as an emoji kicked up a storm on social media, underscoring the delicate balance between an idol’s personal choices and the public’s expectations. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Before the controversy erupted, Wonyoung was a beautiful sight to see on the red carpet. Source: Twitter/@IVEstarshipNews’ Twitter account.

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ENHYPEN Begins FATE World Tour in Seoul, Shocks Fans in “Nosebleed” Seats

In an unexpected and heartwarming display of fan service, global K-pop sensation ENHYPEN kicked off their FATE World Tour at the KSPO DOME in Seoul, South Korea. They made a special effort to connect with ENGENEs seated in the section farthest from the stage. During the performances of “10 Months” and “Polaroid Love,” the members ascended to these so-called “nosebleed” seats to greet fans. This considerate gesture made every fan feel included and valued.

https://twitter.com/entanonly/status/1685235462401568771

This unprecedented move by the BELIFT LAB boy group set the tone for an unforgettable evening. The venue, adorned with banners featuring the ENHYPEN members, created a vibrant atmosphere. Moreover, ENGENEs had been lining up since dawn to buy official merchandise. Most items sold out quickly, demonstrating the group’s immense popularity.

The concert showcased ENHYPEN‘s hard work, showmanship, and talent. The setlist was comprised of fan-favorite tracks, and the concert began with an introductory VCR. This was followed by great performances of “Drunk-Dazed” and “Blockbuster.” The members took turns addressing the fans in the crowd, expressing their gratitude and sharing their thoughts.

https://twitter.com/enhaupdates/status/1685219349781680128

https://twitter.com/enhaupdates/status/1685219578841075712

 

The concert featured a mix of group performances and unit stages. Jay, Jake, Sunghoon, and Sunoo did an acoustic version of “That Feeling When.” Heeseung, Jungwon, and Ni-Ki performed “Just A Little Bit.” The concert also included performances of tracks like “Shout Out” before the members wrapped things up with an encore performance of “One In A Billion” and “Karma.”

https://twitter.com/enhaupdates/status/1685254378184495105

ENHYPEN became emotional 

During the closing comments, the members of ENHYPEN became emotional. Ni-Ki thanked the fans for their unwavering support. Jake expressed the group’s aspiration to deliver a flawless show. Jay extended his gratitude to all who helped them prepare for the show. Sunghoon thanked his parents and ENGENEs. Sunoo, with teary eyes, expressed his hope to meet ENGENE often. Jungwon shared his concerns about the hot weather and their performances, expressing joy that ENGENEs enjoyed themselves. Lastly, Heeseung expressed his happiness at getting to create beautiful performances with his members.

The evening concluded on a high note, with ENHYPEN expressing their love for ENGENE in a tweet, “As expected, our ENGENEs are the best. I will absolutely not let you go with this knot that is tied right now.”

As the group prepares for the rest of the stops on their world tour, one thing is certain. ENHYPEN and ENGENE’s journey together has just begun. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The boys expressed their post-show high on Twitter. Source: Twitter/ENHYPEN’s official Twitter account.

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DRIPPIN’s Alex Quits Group, Former Agency Issues Statement

Woollim Entertainment is currently embroiled in controversy. The K-pop agency recently announced the departure of Alex, a member of the boy group DRIPPIN. Woollim Entertainment has also been hit by a series of negative reviews from former employees.

Earlier this year, Alex took a break from his promotional activities due to health concerns. Woollim Entertainment released a statement, saying he was ill and needed time away to focus on recovering. During this period, DRIPPIN continued promoting as a six-member group.

However, after talking to Woollim Entertainment, Alex decided to end his activities with DRIPPIN and terminate his exclusive contract with the agency. In a heartfelt letter to fans, Alex expressed his deep gratitude for the love and support he received during his time with the group and promised to work hard to deliver good news in the future. Despite his departure, Alex pledged his continued support for DRIPPIN and Woollim Entertainment and asked fans to do the same.

Is Woollim Entertainment a toxic company?

Alex‘s departure isn’t the only issue the agency is dealing with. Some former employees of Woollim Entertainment left extremely negative reviews on an employer review site. The reviews paint a grim picture of the company’s internal workings, with one reviewer describing the company as a “Caged Scrap Waste Farm Full of People With Flaws.”

The reviews highlight a range of issues, like favoritism, poor management, and low wages. One even accused the company of fabricating performance stats and manipulating fan reactions. The reviews left netizens shocked and concerned for the artists under the agency. In response to the reviews, they expressed concern and shock.

https://twitter.com/mijoo_stan/status/1651436443619807233

The controversies surrounding Woollim Entertainment have raised questions about how the agency manages its artists. As the agency is home to artists such as Golden Child, Kwon Eun Bi, and Rocket Punch, many are eagerly awaiting the company’s response to these allegations.

It is hoped that the issues will be addressed properly and that the artists will continue to thrive in a supportive and fair environment. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Alex sported a somber expression and outfit in a concept photo for DRIPPIN’s 1st album, released last year. Source: Twitter/Woollim Entertainment’s official Twitter account.

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ATEEZ’s Mingi Goes Viral for His Wet Look at Waterbomb Tokyo

K-pop idols are known for delivering unforgettable visual spectacles at every event, and the recent Waterbomb Festival in Tokyo was no exception. Amidst a line-up featuring many high-profile acts, it was ATEEZ‘s Mingi who emerged as the showstopper, leaving fans and netizens spellbound.

Mingi‘s allure was not just in his looks but also in his charisma and talent. He took to the stage in a pair of jeans, a plain white shirt, stylish sunnies, and two gold chains—in other words, the perfect boy-next-door look. His outfit, combined with his charisma, made fans’ hearts race. When Mingi got wet, he looked even sexier.

But what is it about a hot guy in wet clothes that’s considered sexy? In the context of Mingi and the Waterbomb Festival in Tokyo, the idol’s wet clothes clung to his body, accentuating his physique and highlighting his physical fitness. People often associate those traits with attractiveness. The image of him wearing wet clothes also suggested a certain intimacy and vulnerability that fans found appealing. The novelty of catching Mingi in that state added an element of excitement and intrigue. Moreover, by portraying attractive men in wet clothes in romantic and sensual contexts, the media actively shapes societal perceptions of what’s sexy.

But Mingi wasn’t just there to showcase his looks. He was there to entertain and entertain he did. Mingi fully embraced the spirit of the festival, engaging with fans and fellow members by spraying them with water and allowing himself to get drenched. By the end of ATEEZ’s set, Mingi was totally soaked, his white shirt providing a show of its own.

Mingi was the trending topic of the day

The highlight of the day was a fan-recorded video of Mingi dancing, which has since gone viral. His movements, perfectly in sync with the beat, were irresistible. The fan filming the moment couldn’t help but squeal in delight, making the scene even more memorable.

Mingi‘s look and stage presence turned him into the trending topic of the day. His performance at the Waterbomb Festival in Tokyo redefined the concept of a “wet look.” Mingi’s charisma created a wave that inevitably swept fans and netizens alike off their feet.

https://twitter.com/shaiamidpact/status/1685343851496742913

 

Fans are still recovering from the “Mingi effect,” with numerous tweets and posts exclaiming: “Am I a joke to you, Mingi?”

Given his performance at this year’s Waterbomb Festival in Tokyo, it’s clear the KQ Entertainment idol has raised the bar for fan service and stage presence. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: One ATINY snapped as many pictures as possible to preserve Mingi’s wet look for posterity. Source: Twitter/@Constance_0809’s Twitter account.

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Seo In-Guk Addresses Nickname in a Recent YouTube Video

In a recent YouTube video, K-pop sensation Seo In-Guk surprised fans by acknowledging his secret nickname, “World Gay,” during a quick game of Ideal Type World Cup. It saw the singer compare his past acting roles and love interests.

Seo In-Guk kicked off the video by announcing his intention to play Ideal Type World Cup with his past love-interest characters. However, the first phase of the game, which pitted Yoo Jin Kang of The Smile Has Left Your Eyes against Ahn Jae Hyun of K.Will‘s “Please Don’t…” music video, left the singer laughing in disbelief.

서인국 : 이러지마 제발 (Seo In-guk: Please don’t do this)

At this juncture, Seo In-Guk brought up his secret nickname. This nickname, which has been a hot topic among fans for years, ties back to his role in K.Will‘s “Please Don’t…” music video. Entering “월드게이” (“World Gay” in Korean) into YouTube’s search bar will produce plenty of results, but the first one will be the “Please Don’t…” music video starring Seo In-Guk, SISTAR’s Dasom, and Ahn Jae Hyun.

In the music video, Seo In-Guk was the male lead. Anyone watching it for the first time will believe his character was pining for Dasom‘s character, who married Ahn Jae Hyun’s character. However, the music video revealed a surprising twist towards the end. Seo In-Guk‘s character was actually in love with his friend, played by Ahn Jae Hyun.

Seo In-Guk on his sexuality

This unexpected revelation of a one-sided same-sex love was a rare theme in K-pop music videos at the time, making “Please Don’t…” a groundbreaking piece. The smooth storytelling and the emotional performances of the actors cemented the music video’s place in K-pop history. But it also sparked rumors surrounding Seo In-Guk’s sexual orientation, which he addressed on an episode of the SBS talk show Incarnation in 2013.

“I’ve heard the gay rumors,” he admitted. “Even in internet searches, ‘Seo In-Guk gay’ will pop up as a related term. This is because, in the drama Reply 1997, INFINITE‘s Hoya‘s character had a crush on me. In K. Will’s music video, I played a guy with a one-sided crush on another guy, so gay rumors kept surfacing, which is why the related search terms came up.”

[MV] K.will(케이윌)_ Please don’t…(이러지마 제발)

After winning Superstar K in 2009, Seo In-Guk built a successful career in both acting and singing. Despite his popularity and talent, he struggles with his self-image. He once said, “Sometimes when I look at myself in the mirror, I think, ‘I look nice,’ but there are times when I find myself ugly.” His fans would undoubtedly beg to disagree, we’re sure.

Seo In-Guk‘s YouTube video entertained fans with his humorous take on the Ideal Type World Cup. What’s more, the candid way he talked about his old nickname added authenticity to his person and endeared him to his fans, reinforcing his image as a genuine, relatable star. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Seo In-Guk will soon go to Manila for his first-ever fan meeting in Southeast Asia. Source: Facebook/EPIC Events’ official Facebook page.

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