Amid the Starbucks controversy... Jang Hyun-seung apologizes after using Ilbe terminology: "Ignorance is also wrong" [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

Singer Jang Hyun-seung, formerly of the group Highlight (formerly BEAST), apologized after using vulgar terminology from an online community.

On the 22nd, a conversation between Jang Hyun-seung and fans on a communication platform spread via an online community.

When a fan recently asked about the meaning of 'Yaro,' a trendy slang term among teenagers, Jang Hyun-seung replied, "A perfect substitute for Angimo-tti," and "Angimo-tti woodpecker."

'Angimo-tti' is used among some online users to mean "feeling very good." However, in far-right internet communities, it is used with obscene connotations.

Fans pointed out, "Never use that word anywhere," and "Why use a word from a site that mocks the dead?" In response, Jang Hyun-seung retorted, "If you get hit, you get hit; you don't erase it," "How would I know that?" and "I'll erase it. If you're uncomfortable, leave. Don't overinterpret."

However, Jang Hyun-seung later apologized, saying, "I did not know the meaning and context. But ignorance is also wrong, so I apologize. It's uncomfortable to leave fans who are worried and just do my own thing."

He added, "I only admitted my ignorance and apologized because someone was uncomfortable. My apology carries no meaning beyond or below that. It was a joke for me, but if the other person is uncomfortable, I must apologize."

Recently, Starbucks Korea sparked controversy by conducting a tumbler promotion on the 18th, the 46th anniversary of the the 18th Democratization Movement, using phrases such as "Tank Day" and "Bang on the Desk!" This drew criticism for evoking memories of the martial law troops' tanks deployed in Gwangju in May 1980 and the torture death of Park Jong-chul. Facing a fierce backlash, Starbucks Korea halted the event, and Shinsegae Group Chairman Jung Yong-jin dismissed the Starbucks Korea representative and the relevant executive.

Amid this situation, it has come to light that Jang Hyun-seung used terminology from a far-right community, causing a stir.

Meanwhile, Jang Hyun-seung debuted in 2009 as part of BEAST but left the group in 2016 and went solo.

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*This content was translated by AI.