iKON member Junhoe has apologized after he got angry when a fan called him out on Instagram about an alleged right-wing Japanese comedian who gave him a gift.
What was supposed to be Junhoes simple expression of thanks turned into a firestorm ahead of IKONs comeback on 1 October, and revived a long-standing political and historical conflict between Japan and Korea.
On 22 September, Junhoe posted a photo on Instagram of what appeared to be a gift from Japanese comedian, actor and director Takeshi Kitano, a.k.a. Beat Takeshi, who hosted the popular Japanese game show Takeshis Castle in the 1980s.
The gifts wrapper carried the message, For Junhoe, KITANOBLUE, From Takeshi Kitano. KITANOBLUE is Kitanos online store that sells clothes.
Along with the photo, Junhoe wrote, Kitano Takeshi-san, thank you. Please come to iKONs concert.
But that didnt sit well with a Korean fan who commented, Kitano Takeshi has a history of controversy for hating Korea. Please delete all related posts [about Kitano Takeshi].
Junhoe got angry and replied: Dont order me to do this or that~~ I dont like it. I like [Kitano Takeshi] as an artist. Why is it that whenever theres any type of issue, you have to back away and delete all traces. I also have feelings too, so please respect them. There is no issue with me personally liking him as an artist.
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This exploded into a controversy with Koreans heavily criticising Junhoe.
Of all the people in the world to respect, you have to respect a right-wing Japanese director? and Totally ignored the advice of his worried fans . . . his true colors have shown were some of the comments made by Koreans on articles.
The controversy came as iKON are scheduled to release their new album New Kids: The Final on 1 October.
According to a report in the Korean media, Takeshi Kitano participated in the past political activities of Japanese politician Shintaro Ishihara, who served as Tokyos governor from 1999 to 2012.
Takeshi Kitano is known here for his disparaging comments about Korea, reported the K-pop Herald.
As a result, Junhoe issued an apology twice.
The whole group is in the middle of a filming, but firstly, I want to hurriedly apologise. Im very sorry for causing so much worry to the fans who support and love me when Im lacking, he said, according to Allkpop.
He said he didnt sincerely acknowledge the situation. I misunderstood it as a conversation between friends, and I thought of everything lightly. I feel embarrassed of myself and humble that I didnt understand until after the fact. Im very sorry.
Im really regretting my rash response to the first fan who was trying to look out for me. With this situation, Ill become a more careful and mature Koo Jun Hoe, he said.
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The issue resulted in iKONs Japanese activities getting cancelled including appearance on Japans streaming platform ABEMATV and high-touch events.
Junhoes controversy comes after Big Hit Entertainment was forced to cancel the release of a new Japanese BTS song titled Bird, written by Japanese producer and lyricist Yasushi Akimoto, who founded the Japanese girl group AKB48.
After Big Hit announced it, Korean fans and the public protested the collaboration, saying Akimoto had history of right-wing ideology and previously wrote misogynistic lyrics.
South Korea was under Japanese rule from 1910 to 1945.
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