A blunder has sparked backlash.
The remarks made by ENHYPEN‘s Ni-ki concerning the March 1st Liberation Day have landed him in hot water. The day is acknowledged in South Korea as Independence Movement Day and holds significant historical importance.
Ni-ki had posted a message of encouragement for his followers on January 29, 2024, which was a Thursday. With the weekend drawing near, he encouraged his fans to persist just a little longer. Accompanying this positive message was a photo of the night sky, captioned “as long as you hang in there for tomorrow, it’ll be the weekend…hwaiting Engene. Heh.”
However, this subsequent day, March 1, happens to be a public holiday in South Korea dedicated to honoring the 1919 March 1 Independence Movement. This movement was a critical stand against forced cultural assimilation by Imperial Japan and a push for Korean liberation. When a fan mentioned the significance of the holiday to Ni-ki, his response of jealousy seemed misplaced.
- Fan: Yeah, tomorrow is Independence Movement Day, so we’re resting.
- Ni-ki: I’m jealous heh.
Ni-ki’s Japanese heritage added a layer of complexity to the situation. As the occupation of South Korea by Japan is a sensitive historical issue, many South Koreans believe Japanese individuals should approach it with solemn reflection. Although fans may overlook the comment, the larger public has not been as forgiving.
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FAQ about Ni-ki’s Comment Controversy
- What did Ni-ki say?
Ni-ki responded with “I’m jealous heh” after a fan mentioned that the next day was Independence Movement Day in South Korea, which is a public holiday. - Why is his comment problematic?
The comment is deemed insensitive because the day commemorates the nation’s struggle against Japanese occupation, and Ni-ki is of Japanese descent. - What is the significance of Korea’s Independence Movement Day?
It marks the historical 1919 movement against Japanese occupation and cultural assimilation. - Has there been any response to the backlash?
As of the knowledge cutoff date, there has been no official response from Ni-ki or ENHYPEN’s management addressing the controversy.
Conclusion
ENHYPEN’s Ni-ki finds himself amidst public scrutiny following his comment on Korea’s Independence Movement Day. The issue touches on a complex history between Korea and Japan and highlights the delicate nature of cultural awareness, especially for public figures. Despite the mixed reactions from fans and the public alike, it serves as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with being in the spotlight, and the importance of understanding and respecting historical contexts. Time will tell if and how Ni-ki addresses the situation or if it will affect his and ENHYPEN’s standing with fans going forward.