While some of these controversial moments are only speculation, others are known for a fact. Each of these moments sparked debate among netizens for different reasons, making them a hot topic at the time of their live airings. Check them out below.
1. Heechul (Super Junior)
Heechul was accused of getting too drunk during a live broadcast and making rude comments about ASTRO‘s Cha Eunwoo.
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Heechul explained how close he is to the singer, adding, “I’m so close with Eunwoo. He’s so handsome, but he’s such a manly man (literally translated as alpha male),” a term that can be interpreted negatively.
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In particular, netizens believed he seemed to paint Eunwoo as someone violent and aggressive when Heechul started explaining how he though Eunwoo would act upon hearing about a bully.
If you talk to him about school bullying, he would have cussed more than me. I understand why he is popular, of course. He has an image on tv, but if he heard about a school bully, he would be like, ‘Hyungnim, bring that f**ker here,’ and would have slapped him. He’s such a manly man (Alpha male) who really likes to exercise…
— Heechul
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2. Haechan (NCT)
NCT‘s Haechan was accused of smoking a vape during a recent livestream. During the livestream, Haechan suddenly ducked out of frame for a few seconds before reentering the frame.
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Some claimed that the situation looked suspicious because of the breath he took while rising back up, as well as because of how mad Mark looked. However, others believe it never happened because there’s no smoke and he was only momentarily off-screen.
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3. Jiwoong (ZEROBASEONE)
Recently, a fan posted an clip of their video call with Jiwoong. After the call ends, the idol allegedly can be heard saying shibal, or f*ck.
Do you usually say f*ck after talking to fans? I’m not sure so I’m asking other Zerozes’ thoughts.
— Fan
평소에도 빠순이와의 영통이 끝나시면 인사를 씨~발이라고하시는 편인가요? 제가 잘 모르겠어서 제로즈님들의 의견이 궁금합니다 #김지웅 #제로즈_트친소 pic.twitter.com/128TqzuRfU
— .. (@81930287a) February 2, 2024
Fans are split on the issue. While some believe he’s guilty, others believe there may be alternative reason he could have sworn or that the clip was edited altogether.
this was jiwoong during our fancall. he was so sweet & funny even when the camera was already closed… if he really cursed maybe he was startled or there was something wrong during the call that’s why he said that? anyways we cant judge him based on the 3 sec clip. https://t.co/3tRabNMJFd
— YANG (@831pgwzone) February 2, 2024
4. Soobin (TXT) and Seunghan (RIIZE)
On November 16, a video featuring who appeared to be TXT’s Soobin and RIIZE’s Seunghan surfaced online. In the clip, the two people are seen talking on a shared Instagram Live that only has around four viewers.
While talking on the split screen, Seunghan jokingly insults Soobin. He responds by saying he will show him something before using his toes to mimic the middle finger gesture. The idols received flack for the incident and even played part in Seunghan’s indefinite hiatus.
5. RM (BTS)
A small but dark bruise showed on RM’s neck during a live broadcast. When ARMYs started pointed it out, he began to cover it with his hands before ultimately ending the live broadcast.
The moment he realized… but y’all remember if it is a hickey. Don’t hate on joon, he’s a grown man.#Bts #Namjoon #NAMJOON pic.twitter.com/IidFqxpupo
— alexa (@luvmeyoongs) February 16, 2023
Some fans believe it was from CrossFit, but others are not convinced.
Namjoon live :
what happened to my neck?
i got a bit hurt, when i was doing CrossFit trying to muscle up haha
Ohh namjoonie #NAMJOON #KimNamjoon #BTS #BTSRM #btspavedthewayforall #RM #NAMJOONLIVE #Weverse_LIVE #WeLoveYouNamjoon
WE LOVE YOU NAMJOON pic.twitter.com/MohktgzObK
— AyatJK⁹⁷ HAPPY JK DAY (@7btskook) February 16, 2023
6. Swan (Purple Kiss)
Swan was unfortunately subjected to hate comments during a livestream, and while others might ignore it, the young idol made a point to read it out as she saw someone type, “You are so ugly.”
You too, maybe you’re the more [ugly one].
— Swan
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Swan boldly shut down the person by explaining, “Don’t say the bad word to me. I want to talk with plorys (Purple Kiss’ fans) only, not you.” She took a chance with such a bold move and earned praise for her directness, but the whole video sparked debate on how far idols should go to talk back to haters.
THAT’S MY GIRL!!!! #swan #수안 #スアン #fyp
7. Lee Kyung Sil
Comedian Lee Kyung Sil (also known as Lee Kyeong Shil) made a “thirsty” comment about Lee Je Hoon’s body which was deemed problematic among K-Drama fans. They considered the comment sexual harassment and an outdated form of humor.
You could drip water down his chest. Drink that holy water. It’s a whole new water filtration system.
— Lee Kyung Sil
Lee Kyung Sil (top left) and Lee Je Hoon (bottom right) on “Cultwo Show.” | OSEN
