GF Entertainment, the agency representing the male group KINGDOM, has issued an official apology for an album cover design that sparked controversy and public outcry.

Here’s what happened.

KINGDOM's Agency Issues Formal Apology Over Album Cover Controversy

Initially slated for pre-order on September 21, the agency found itself embroiled in a contentious situation as concerns emerged regarding the album's cover design.

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Some observant individuals noted that the artwork bore striking similarities to the Qur'an, the holy scripture of Islam.

The discovery triggered an immediate response from the agency, expressing deep regret for their apparent lack of awareness and offering apologies to the Muslim community, as well as anyone who may have been affected.

GF Entertainment released the following statement in English:

"Hello, this is GF Entertainment.

We've recently received feedback concerning the cover of KINGDOM's 7th mini album, which was originally scheduled for pre-order on the 21st. It has been pointed out that the design bears some resemblance to the Islamic scripture.

KINGDOM is a group that strives to showcase the richness of world cultures through K-pop, with a strong commitment to promoting cultural diversity and coexistence. We deeply regret that this controversy has arisen due to our lack of awareness and oversight, and we acknowledge our shortcomings in this matter. We offer our sincere apologies to the Muslim community and anyone else who may have felt discomforted by this situation.

We humbly express our regret and take this opportunity to assure you that we are committed to taking steps to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.

In light of this, we have made the decision to recall and discard all 70,000 copies of the initial album edition and proceed with a reissue. Pre-orders for KINGDOM's new album will recommence at 11 a.m. on the 26th, and the official release will proceed as originally scheduled on October 18.

We extend our heartfelt apologies to the dedicated fans who love KINGDOM for any inconvenience this may have caused."

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KINGDOM’s Album Redesign in Progress: Agency Plans to Reissue with Fresh Design and Reopen Pre-Orders

The agency's response didn't stop at words; they announced plans to recall and dispose of all 70,000 copies of the initial album edition.

Furthermore, they intend to reissue the album with a new design and reopen pre-orders on September 26. Importantly, the official release date for the album remains unchanged, scheduled for October 18.

This unexpected turn of events emphasizes the importance of cultural sensitivity and awareness in the entertainment industry.

It also serves as a reminder that even the most well-intentioned actions can have unintended consequences, prompting agencies and artists to be more vigilant and considerate in their creative endeavors.

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KpopStarz own this article.
Madison Cullen wrote this.