ENHYPEN’s Ni-ki Apologizes for Envying Fans For Getting a Day off on Korea’s Independence Day
Just a casual remark, but Korean netizens singled out Ni-ki, the Japanese member of ENHYPEN
On February 29, ENHYPEN Ni-ki shared a scenic photo on Weverse, encouraging fans to hang in there as the weekend was approaching.
“Just hold on until tomorrow, then it’s the weekend…hwaiting ENGENE.”
Fans commented below the post, informing the idol that the next day (March 1st) was Korea’s Independence Day. Ni-ki replied, expressing envy that fans could enjoy a day off.
Fan: “Tomorrow is Independence Day so we get a day off.”
Ni-ki: “Oh, I’m so jealous.”
The March 1st Movement was a significant protest by Koreans in 1919 against Japanese colonial rule. Over a thousand protests erupted nationwide, resulting in around 7,500 casualties. Following Korea’s independence, March 1st became a national holiday.
As a Japanese idol, Ni-ki faced severe backlash from Korean netizens for his comment. Shortly after, Ni-ki deleted the post and issued an apology on Weverse:
“Hello. This is Ni-ki. I apologize for my carelessness regarding March 1st Independence Movement Day, an important commemorative day for the country. I realized my mistake and immediately deleted the post. I will be more careful in the future.”
Korean netizens remained critical of Ni-ki’s apology:
- HYBE, educate your idols.
- Apologize in just three lines haha.
- High-ranking HYBE leaders are all close to Japan… from Liberation Day to introducing Japanese anime.
- International fans are going crazy cursing Korean netizens, saying what’s there to apologize for? Do you even know what day it is today?
- Get it on TV quick!
- Legendary scandal, damn it.
- The example of ignorance is a crime. But he doesn’t seem to have malicious intent either.
- If the company wants foreign idols to promote in Korea, they should teach them basic knowledge about Korean history, especially Japanese idols.
- This group is ridiculous… From mocking Korean history to envying Koreans for having Independence Day off.
- Empty brain.
- The importance of learning… etc.
Due to Korea’s history of Japanese colonization, incidents like Ni-ki’s are often considered sensitive.
