A video of THE BOYZ member Sunwoo dropping his AirPods has sparked a heated debate online, even catching the eye of actress Nana, who publicly criticized his behavior. The clip, which spread like wildfire, raised questions about politeness and respect, leading to a mix of backlash and defense from fans and netizens alike. Here’s everything you need to know about the incident and its fallout.
What Happened in the Viral Video?
The controversy began when a fan-recorded video surfaced online, showing Sunwoo leaving a radio broadcast. As he hurried toward an elevator, he dropped his AirPods.
He shouted, “My AirPods!” while looking around. A security guard nearby quickly picked up the item and handed it to him.
Sunwoo took the AirPods with one hand but didn’t appear to bow or verbally thank the guard, which many viewers found rude.
The clip, shared widely on platforms like Instagram, racked up millions of views, fueling discussions about his attitude.
Some netizens pointed out that in South Korea, bowing is a common way to show gratitude, especially to staff. The lack of a bow, combined with Sunwoo’s casual demeanor, led to accusations of disrespect.
Others argued the moment was rushed, and the video might not tell the full story. This divide set the stage for a larger conversation.
Sunwoo’s Response to the Backlash
Facing mounting criticism, Sunwoo addressed the issue on a fan communication platform. He explained his side of the story, emphasizing that he wasn’t intentionally rude.
“A fan shouted something, and I was quite confused in that situation, so I didn’t know what I had dropped. When I realized it was my AirPods, I shouted, ‘my AirPods,’ and searched for it with my eyes. I couldn’t find it, and I ended up receiving them from the guard who picked it up for me. I said thank you, but I did not bow my head.”
He acknowledged that the video might look bad to viewers.
“I know how things could’ve looked bad [on video], but don’t worry as I am someone who never forgets to say thank you, even if someone holds the door for me from behind.”
Sunwoo promised to be more mindful in the future, adding that he always greets staff respectfully, including cleaning crews at music shows.
He stressed that he couldn’t clarify every misunderstanding but wanted fans to know he valued politeness.
Despite his apology, the video continued to circulate, and not everyone was convinced.
Nana’s Public Comment Stirs the Pot
The situation escalated when Nana, a well-known actress and former idol from After School, commented on the viral Instagram post. Using her personal account, she didn’t hold back.
“Looks like he ought to be scolded.”
Her blunt remark drew massive attention, as it’s rare for a celebrity to call out another so openly.
Nana’s comment fueled further debate, with some praising her for speaking up and others questioning if she was too harsh.
Her involvement brought the controversy to a new level, as fans wondered why she felt compelled to weigh in.
Some speculated Nana reacted strongly because of her own experiences in the industry, where respect for staff is highly valued.
Others felt her comment was unnecessary, given Sunwoo’s apology.
How Netizens and Fans Reacted
The incident sparked a flood of reactions online, with opinions split across Instagram, fan platforms, and other social media.
Here are some comments from netizens on Instagram:
“Gosh! Who do you think you are?”
“Well, if you drop something, pick it up. What is he doing? Who does he think he is?”
“His mouth doesn’t seem to have moved, but he clarified saying he said thanks.”
Many criticized Sunwoo for not picking up the AirPods himself or showing visible gratitude.
Some questioned whether he actually said “thank you,” as his lips didn’t appear to move in the video.
However, Sunwoo’s fans, known as The B, rallied to his defense. They argued he was caught off guard and didn’t mean to offend.
“He did appreciate the staff and said thank you to him, which part of rude she talking about?” — @juyoviolet on X
Others felt the criticism was overblown, pointing out that Sunwoo had already explained himself.
“This is uncalled for, Sunwoo literally just issued an apology and explained he did thank the staff but should have done so more thoroughly.” — @merksmirs on X
The polarized reactions showed how quickly a small moment could spiral into a major controversy.
Why This Incident Matters
The AirPods incident highlights the intense scrutiny K-pop idols face, where every action can be magnified online.
In South Korea, cultural norms around politeness, like bowing to show respect, carry significant weight.
Sunwoo’s case also reflects the power of viral videos, which can shape public perception before the full context is clear.
Nana’s comment added fuel because celebrities rarely call each other out publicly, making her words stand out.
The debate raises questions about accountability and whether apologies can ever fully satisfy critics in the age of social media.
For Sunwoo, the incident has left a lingering impression, despite his efforts to clarify and apologize.
What’s Next for Sunwoo and THE BOYZ?
THE BOYZ, an 11-member group under ONEHUNDRED, recently released their third album, PHANTASY Pt.3: Love Letter, on March 17, 2025.
Sunwoo remains a key member, known for his rapping and songwriting. The group is currently promoting actively.
This isn’t Sunwoo’s first brush with controversy. In 2020, he apologized for smoking on a non-smoking beach, promising to reflect and grow.
The AirPods incident has put him back in the spotlight, but fans hope it won’t overshadow his talent or the group’s momentum.
Sunwoo has vowed to be more careful, especially with gestures like bowing to avoid future misunderstandings.
As the debate simmers, THE BOYZ continue their schedule, with supporters urging others to focus on their music.
