Red Velvet’s Seulgi has shared a personal apology following controversy over a recent high heel incident at the airport.
Seulgi Addresses High Heel Incident at the Airport
On July 13, Seulgi took to her Instagram stories to address the situation and offer her sincere apologies.
“At the time, I had recently developed blisters and wounds on my feet while practicing. But because the heels I wore at the airport [in Incheon] weren’t that high, I thought they’d be okay, so I carelessly failed to prepare a spare set of sneakers just in case.
“While walking, my feet shifted [inside the shoes], causing new wounds to gradually form, and when my manager saw that I was having a hard time walking after arriving in Kaohsiung, she thought that it might be difficult for me to perform later [if I kept wearing them], so she suggested that we swap shoes only until we left the airport.
“With my feet hurting, I was unable to think of another solution and made a poor decision in the moment, and I apologize to the people I must have disappointed. I also feel nothing but apologetic towards my manager, who must have been upset by this incident.” – Red Velvet’s Seulgi
The incident occurred on July 12 when Red Velvet flew to Taiwan to perform at the K-Mega Concert in Kaohsiung. Initially, Seulgi was seen wearing a pair of sponsored high heels at Incheon International Airport. However, upon arriving at Kaohsiung International Airport, observant fans and netizens noticed that Seulgi had swapped her high heels for sneakers, and her manager was now wearing the high heels.
This change of footwear led to some backlash online, with critics accusing Seulgi of causing her manager discomfort by making them wear shoes that were likely too big. The incident sparked a discussion about the dynamics between idols and their staff, and whether Seulgi’s actions were inconsiderate.
"I apologize to the manager and the many people who were disappointed by what happened at the airport yesterday.
Recently, I got blisters and bruises on my feet from rehearsing.
The heels of the shoes I wore at the airport were not that high, so I thought it would be okay and I… pic.twitter.com/tI2r6IUly2— KSG Updates (@KSGUpdates) July 13, 2024
In her apology, Seulgi expressed deep regret over the situation, acknowledging that her actions had unintentionally caused distress. She stated, “I sincerely apologize for the discomfort caused by the recent incident. It was never my intention to cause any harm or inconvenience to my manager, who always works hard for us. I will be more mindful of my actions in the future.”
Seulgi’s heartfelt apology aimed to address the concerns raised by fans and the public, demonstrating her awareness of the impact of her actions and her commitment to being more considerate. Fans have responded with mixed reactions, some appreciating her prompt acknowledgment and apology, while others continue to discuss the broader implications of such incidents within the entertainment industry.
Red Velvet's Seulgi issues an apology for switching shoes with her manager, who offered to help after seeing her struggle with blisters and bruises from her heels. pic.twitter.com/nDMMgYIxeN
— Pop Base (@PopBase) July 13, 2024
Despite the controversy, many fans continue to support Seulgi and Red Velvet, looking forward to their performances and activities in Taiwan and beyond.