Screenshots of NCT member Yuta wearing a controversial Japanese shirt with a message towards Korean women have started making their rounds in South Korea, and people are unhappy.

Keep on reading to learn more.

What Shirt Did Yuta Wear?

Screenshots of NCT member Yuta in what appears to be a behind-the-scenes video of NCT practicing, as well as a polaroid photo, have started making their rounds online and quickly gained attention for its controversial message.

The shirt Yuta is wearing was created by Makyuri Shoji, a Japanese YouTuber who also goes by the name Mercury Trading, in collaboration with an online shopping mall. The shirt shows a drawing of the famous South Korean instant noodles, Shin Ramyun, along with the words "Korean Dream" in Japanese characters,

(Photo : Insight)

Why Is the Shirt That Yuta Wore Controversial?

The phrase "Korean dream" is a play on words. The Chinese character for "Shin" in this case does not mean "spicy," as it is originally intended. Instead, it refers to the word "happiness." The short phrase has this controversial message: "How happy would a man be if a Korean woman asks, 'Want to have ramen with me?' after drinking with them until late at night? That would be the Korean dream."

(Photo : Sox Socks)

In South Korea, the phrase, "Do you want to come over to my place and eat ramen?" is their version of the popular saying, "Netflix and chill." 

Because of the double-meaning, Yuta is being slammed for wearing a shirt that degrades and mocks Korean culture, specifically Korean women. People are not happy that he, an idol based in South Korea, could wear a shirt created by a Japanese company that pokes fun at such a sexual Korean slang phrase.

Yuta also earned extra backlash because it was discovered that if you try to purchase the shirt on the website, they explain the true meaning of "Korean dream" in the introduction section.

(Photo : Sox Socks)

Yuta's Past Controversy

Back in July 2020, Yuta was under fire by South Korean after he revealed in a live stream that he was close friends with anti-Korea YouTube Rhee-kun. The YouTuber gained infamy for his strong anti-Korean sentiments and his sexist, misogynistic comments, which he proudly shows on his social media accounts. He also gained backlash after he used the deaths of famous K-pop stars as clickbait for his YouTube videos, such as Sulli and Jonghyun.

Following the backlash, Yuta quickly unfollowed Rhee-kun on Instagram. The video of him saying they were friends was also deleted from V Live.

ALSO READ: NCT Yuta Slammed by Netizens for Being Friends with Anti-Korea YouTuber

How Are People Reacting to the Issue?

As this is Yuta's second time in such a controversy, many people have expressed disappointment over his actions. Many people slammed him for being an idol based in Japan but shamelessly showing anti-Korean sentiments. Others called him "crazy" and demanded that Yuta leave NCT and return to Japan.

(Photo : Insight)

Some, however, defended Yuta. As the shirt only says "Korean dream," it is possible that he was unaware of the true meaning of the shirt. Some people have disagreed with this, though, saying that it is doubtful he did not know what the shirt means due to his friendship with Rhee-kun.

As of press time, neither SM Entertainment nor Yuta have commented on the issue.

What do you think of the situation?

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Written by Alexa Lewis