Seventeen member Wonwoo is under fire following his recent Instagram post, which has rekindled controversy over derogatory remarks he made about Girls’ Generation during his middle school years. The backlash highlights the ongoing scrutiny K-pop idols face regarding their past actions and statements.

Recent Instagram Post and Initial Backlash

On October 29, Wonwoo shared a message on Instagram stating:

“Being a celebrity is not a job where one has to endure until the point of death. I hope people don’t look down on idols. Please stop giving wounds you can’t take responsibility for.”

In response to a supportive comment from fellow group member Seungkwan, Wonwoo added:

“I hope the world becomes filled with warmth like Seungkwan said.”

While his fellow members left encouraging remarks, his comments drew criticism from some netizens who recalled his previous derogatory comments about Girls’ Generation.

Controversial Past Comments

Reports surfaced that Wonwoo had made several malicious remarks about Girls’ Generation during his middle school days. These included derogatory posts with edited images and blunt insults, labeling them as the “trash of the music industry.” As the backlash grew, Wonwoo issued a handwritten apology in 2016 on the official fan cafe, where he expressed regret for underestimating the impact of his words.

Divided Opinions Among Netizens

Given his history, many netizens reacted harshly to Wonwoo’s recent comments. Opinions expressed included:

“He contributed to the lack of warmth”
“Wonwoo doesn’t have the right to say that.”

Some suggested that if he had genuinely reflected on his past actions, he should avoid making comments in such situations.

Conversely, there were voices of support arguing:

“It was an immature action at the time, and the criticism is excessive.”
“He even posted an apology; leave him alone.”

This division in public opinion reflects the complex nature of forgiveness and accountability within the K-pop industry.

Ongoing Controversies

A recent leak of internal documents from HYBE revealed provocative comments made by idols regarding each other’s appearances, further igniting controversy in the industry. This situation underscores the pressure idols face not only from fans but also from their peers and the media.

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how Wonwoo and Seventeen will navigate the repercussions of these past comments and the current backlash. The response from fans and netizens will likely continue to shape the conversation surrounding accountability in the K-pop world.