[T/W: mentions of eating disorders, accidents, inappropriate remarks]

In K-pop controversies are usually varied, since in the genre, idols are trained to detect the surroundings around them, as well as maintain their image through observing what crosses the line or not. Like all people, idols aren't perfect too. Many of our favorite artists give their best in entertaining fans, especially when they're the type of person to create laughs most of the time.

While most K-pop idols would normally produce a harmless joke, some were caught unaware of their words, to which most fans would perceive as insensitive.

There are controversies here and there due to one's lack of knowledge or ability to be self-aware. However, some controversies were unforgettable because of how bad it was.

Here are 5 times K-pop idols were slammed due to insensitive jokes.

1. NCT Johnny, Mark, & Doyoung's Earthquake Issue

On December 14, 2021, NCT held a live broadcast, which counted down to their third full-length album, "Universe." The live went with no problem, until around 5:20 p.m. KST, a 5.3 earthquake shook the area of Seogwipo-si in Jeju Island.

Things went south when Mark, Doyoung, and Johny momentarily danced and sang a verse from their B-side track "Earthquake." Afterwards, the three caught intense backlash in the online community, leading them to upload a public apology in Instagram.

2. THE BOYZ Youghoon's Fake Phone Number Gimmick

Younghoon from THE BOYZ was also slammed for a joke, which netizens deemed as careless. The issue began when Younghoon sent a phone number in app Universe, where he interacts with fans. Younghoon claimed that the number was his, leading fans to message it directly.

However, it backfired when the number Younghoon gave turned out to be their debut date, which coincidentally is someone else's number.

Before Younghoon can stop the surge, the attempts were too late. A regular Korean citizen was then flooded with piles of messages and calls, causing Younghoon to be put in hotseat.

3. Former GFRIEND Sowon Posing With Nazi Mannequin Soldier

On January 30, 2021, former GFRIEND member and leader Sowon was caught in a controversy. The idol uploaded a set of photos, featuring her posing with a Nazi mannequin statue. Netizens were quick to notice the photos, leading to Sowon's criticism, and her deletion of the pictures. Although most agreed Sowon meant no harm, the heat was too intense to be forgotten. During the controversy, an old video clip in 2016 also resurfaced. The clip was from one of their V lives, where SinB revealed that Sowon's name in her photo was "Kitler," a fusion of Sowon's surname Kim, and Adolf Hitler, the dictator of Nazi Germany.

4. Former MOMOLAND Nancy's Remarks About Bulimia

MOMOLAND's former maknae Nancy became hot topic due to her remarks on Bulimia. Netizens quickly swarmed the idol, since eating disorders are not something to be joked with.

In a behind-the-scenes clip, Nancy shared how well she can play the role of a Bulimic patient. While initially less heated during their rookie days, Nancy's comments resurfaced when MOMOLAND got their breakout song "Bboom Bboom" in 2018.

5. MIRAE Dohyun Mocking Billlie Tsuki's Facial Expressions

Dohyun of MIRAE was slammed by netizens for his actions during a live broadcast, where he mocked the facial expressions of Tsuki, a member of Billlie. During their livestream on April 4, 2022, the group was seen jamming to Billie's song "GingaMingaYo (the strange world)."

Things were all good until Dohyun started making overdone expressions, which seemingly mocked Tsuki's performance. Netizens viewed his actions as rude, and expressed their disdain towards the idol.

On April 6, 2022, Dohyun uploaded a public apology addressed to Billie and everyone who were appalled by his actions.

What are your thoughts on these controversies? Let us know in the comments below!

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Written by Israel Monte