UPDATE: Rising star Kyehoon of the boy group KickFlip is facing swift backlash following his recent social media messages that have sparked outrage among fans and critics alike. Just yesterday, Kyehoon posted about visiting a trendy spot, saying, “I’m going to go have some London bagels,” without realizing the restaurant’s connection to a tragic incident involving a 26-year-old employee who died from overwork.
The controversy erupted as it was revealed that the London Bagel Museum in South Korea is currently under fire and facing a massive boycott due to the heartbreaking circumstances surrounding the young worker’s death. Kyehoon quickly responded to fan feedback, issuing a public apology: “I’m sorry, I had no idea about the controversy. I’ll be careful going forward.”
However, the situation worsened when older messages resurfaced, revealing Kyehoon’s prior comments to his “adult fans” about wanting to “have some ‘hot’ talk.” While initially perceived as a lighthearted joke, this phrase has incited further criticism, with fans expressing discomfort over the implications.
One fan remarked, “If some random dude said ‘Let’s have some hot talk,’ I’d honestly want to report it for sexual harassment.” The backlash has been amplified online, with a viral post on the platform theqoo accumulating hundreds of comments. Many netizens are urging Kyehoon to tone down his messaging style, suggesting that his attempts at humor may be backfiring.
Critics have voiced concerns about Kyehoon’s pressure to maintain his viral persona, with comments like, “His messages just aren’t funny anymore. His fans hype him up way too much.” Another user stated, “I see how he might not have known about the London Bagel Museum, but the hot talk stuff is kind of weird.”
As Kyehoon grapples with the fallout from these incidents, fans and observers are watching closely. The idol’s latest message series has generated intense discussion and concern over his judgment and the pressures of maintaining a public image in the K-Pop industry.
What happens next is still unfolding. Kyehoon’s future messaging habits and how he navigates this backlash will be crucial as he seeks to mend his reputation and regain fan trust. With the spotlight now on his every word, the coming days will be pivotal for the rookie idol.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
