UPDATE: Rookie idol Kyehoon of the boy group KickFlip is facing intense backlash following a series of controversial messages sent to fans on Bubble. The backlash comes just days after his lighthearted comments about visiting a popular bagel café, unaware of the tragic circumstances surrounding it.
In his latest message, sent earlier today, Kyehoon casually mentioned, “I’m going to go have some London bagels,” referring to the London Bagel Museum in South Korea. However, the café is currently under fire following the tragic death of a 26-year-old employee due to overwork, leading to a massive boycott. Fans quickly alerted Kyehoon to the situation.
Kyehoon responded, stating, “I’m sorry, I had no idea about the controversy. I’ll be careful going forward. Thanks for letting me know.” Despite his apology, this incident has sparked further scrutiny as past messages have resurfaced, raising additional concerns about his communication style.
Earlier messages included Kyehoon asking his adult fans if they wanted to “have some ‘hot’ talk,” which many fans initially interpreted as a joke. However, this comment has since drawn criticism as inappropriate, with some suggesting it could be seen as crossing a line. One fan commented, “If some random dude said ‘Let’s have some hot talk,’ I’d honestly want to report it for sexual harassment.”
A viral post on the popular South Korean forum theqoo has ignited discussion, with hundreds of comments weighing in on Kyehoon’s messaging. Some users noted that the idol might be feeling pressured to maintain a humorous persona, which has led to missteps. Comments ranged from acknowledging his lack of awareness about the café’s situation to questioning the intent behind his “hot talk” remarks.
One netizen remarked, “He’s trying too hard,” while another added, “His messages just aren’t funny anymore. No wonder he’s slipping.” Critics argue that while his intent may not have been malicious, the frequency of his messages has created an environment where he is vulnerable to misinterpretation and backlash.
As the situation unfolds, fans are divided. Some defend Kyehoon, stating that he should not be judged harshly for an innocent mistake regarding the café. Others, however, express concern that his attempts at humor may backfire if he does not proceed with caution.
The controversy highlights the fine line public figures must navigate in their interactions with fans, especially in the age of social media where every comment can be scrutinized. As Kyehoon continues to address the backlash, many are left wondering how this incident will impact his career moving forward.
NEXT: Fans are urged to monitor Kyehoon’s social media for updates as he navigates this challenging situation. The idol has indicated his intention to be more mindful in the future, but the impact of this incident remains to be seen.
With public sentiment shifting rapidly, Kyehoon’s next steps will be critical in determining how he moves past this controversy and maintains his fanbase amidst growing scrutiny.
