From BLACKPINK to ENHYPEN: K-pop scandals breaking the internet¡ªeven non-fans are taking notice

Controversy is nothing new in K-pop, but recent incidents have ignited conversations that go far beyond just fans. From trending social media posts to headlines in mainstream news outlets, these moments have sparked widespread debate, cultural critique, and public scrutiny¡ªdrawing attention from casual listeners, cultural commentators, and even those previously unfamiliar with the genre.

BLACKPINK and the "n-word" backlash

The girl group was swept into global controversy after a Discord user¡ªallegedly a former YG Entertainment employee¡ªleaked sensitive data related to several South Korean artists under the label. Among the leaks were video clips from their trainee days, showing three of the four members mouthing the N-word while singing along to a song.

Since the videos were taken down here is a whole compilation of Blackpink Jennie and Lisa saying the N-word repeatedly

It is worth mentioning that Jennie was born and raised in a westren country https://t.co/Ydt4z2uqo3 pic.twitter.com/QkRhTQMFeJ

¡ª ? (@blackylle) March 30, 2025

The footage quickly went viral, sparking widespread backlash and accusations of cultural insensitivity. Despite their global fame, the incident reignited ongoing concerns about cultural awareness and respect within the K-pop industry.

KISS OF LIFE's cultural appropriation accusations

The girl group comprised of Julie, Natty, Belle, and Haneul¡ªfaced major backlash after showcasing what they described as an "old school hip-hop" concept during a livestream party on March 29 to celebrate Julie's birthday. The members appeared wearing cornrows, Bantu knots, gold chains, and delivered slang-filled freestyle raps, drawing criticism for appropriating African-American culture.

To all our Kissys, pic.twitter.com/1eIryGZOks

¡ª KISS OF LIFE (@KISSOFLIFE_S2) April 5, 2025

The controversy sparked intense online debate and led to the group losing over 200,000 followers across social media platforms. The girls and their agency both have apologized, but the anger is not seeming to settle down.

Jennie's "lazy dancing" debate resurfaces

BLACKPINK's Jennie found herself under renewed scrutiny after old clips from the group's BORN PINK tour resurfaced and went viral. Initially shared by solo fans of each member, the videos quickly reached non-fans who questioned the quality of the performances.

I thought y¡¯all were just exaggerating. But after watching those videos, she really isn't even trying. This is so disrespectful
to the fans who paid a large amount of money to see them, only to receive this kind of energy from their fave. It¡¯s just so sad?? https://t.co/DvOM3KI8Q5 pic.twitter.com/fMCICzCCnO

¡ª san benito (@MlDNIGHT__) April 3, 2025

The phrase "lazy dancing" began trending on X (formerly Twitter) as viewers dissected the footage frame by frame. While some defended Jennie, pointing to health issues and the pressures of overwork, others criticized what they saw as a lack of effort.

ENHYPEN's fat shaming controversy

Controversy arose around the boy group after fans accused certain members of fat-shaming Sunoo in a recent episode of their YouTube series En-O'Clock. During a meal break, Sunghoon joked that "everyone knows Sunoo can eat more," with Jay adding that he could easily finish all the food.

the repeat offenders, the silence, sunoo getting uncomfortable by the end... and update accounts deleting clips of this cus they know its weird ? pic.twitter.com/ahebMJ6EhC

¡ª ? (@luvtanked) April 3, 2025

Although Sunoo seemed to laugh along at first, he soon became noticeably quiet and withdrawn. The incident sparked concern, particularly due to Sunoo¡¯s previous comments about his struggles with body image and commitment to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Stray Kids fans go to war¡ªwith each other

Stray Kids' leader Bang Chan found himself at the center of a fandom dispute following a comment he made during the group's recent concert in Brazil. Referring to the country as "another home," some fans misinterpreted it as "second home," sparking heated arguments among

STAYS,please stop fighting each other!You are not just embarassing the fandom but firstly,giving Stray Kids & BangChan, a bad name!If you truly respect & love SKZ & Chan above all,despite your jealousy & possessiveness,stop quarelling & improve ourselves,instead! pic.twitter.com/CcQ05UR8t2

¡ª Lilibeth??SKZ ? (@liliput1012) April 6, 2025

STAYs. Disturbed by the division, Bang Chan addressed the issue on the fan platform Bubble, where he apologized, shared his feelings, and promised to be more cautious with his words in the future. Expressing his disappointment, he wrote, "I really wish STAYs would stop fighting with each other."

Red Velvet and EXO: The future remains unclear

Uncertainty continues to loom over veteran K-pop groups Red Velvet and EXO, leaving fans anxious amid minimal group activities and vague updates from SM Entertainment. With solo projects in focus, speculation about disbandment or indefinite hiatus has only intensified.

In early 2024, EXO members Baekhyun, Chen, and Xiumin revived their legal dispute with SM Entertainment over unmet commission agreements. Now, the agency has announced a 13th-anniversary live event featuring Suho, Chanyeol, D.O., and Kai. However, the absence of Baekhyun, Chen, Xiumin, and Lay¡ªalong with Sehun's ongoing military service¡ªhas triggered backlash from fans.

[EXO : 13IRTHDAY HOME PARTY]
? 2025.04.08.(TUE) 8PM (KST)

? YouTube: https://t.co/KwMYi878Q6
? TikTok: https://t.co/Cq14tp9ICj
? Weverse: https://t.co/D3qkQgK07j#EXO #?? #weareoneEXO pic.twitter.com/Dv0qu6aWJu

¡ª EXO (@weareoneEXO) April 7, 2025

Meanwhile, in April 2025, SM confirmed that Red Velvet's Wendy and Yeri had ended their exclusive contracts with the label. Though the news sparked concerns about their status in the group, both idols have assured fans they will remain active Red Velvet members.

?????. SM?????????. pic.twitter.com/tRNNCwzzr9

¡ª Red Velvet (@RVsmtown) April 4, 2025

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