Alnday ProjectThe Woochan became the center of the controversy after a Viveltream response to a fan’s playful comment was labeled as a homophobic by some international fans.
On August 30, Woochan held a live broadcast through the group’s official communication platform. During the flow, a fan jokingly commented, “Hyung, let’s go out”. Woochan replied, “You’re calling me Hyung but then are you trying to go out with me? It doesn’t work. I’m not so. No.”
This clip spread rapidly on social media, triggering a heated debate. International fans claimed that Woochan’s reaction reflected homophobia, since his phrasing suggested the refusal of homosexual attraction in a way that went beyond carefree jokes. Some noted, “Other male k-pop idols usually laugh similar comments in a playful way, but Wooochan seemed to be contemptuous.”
The criticisms became stronger when fans recalled a recent controversy surrounding another Alnday Project Member, Tarzzan, who has faced a repercussions to wear Dreadlocks and was accused of cultural appropriation. The two accidents together have fueled requests such as, “The male members of Alnday Project They are showing both racial insensitivity and homophobia. “
In the meantime, domestic reactions have been divided. Many Netizen Koreans defended Woochan, saying:
- Why is it a problem?
- You cannot force a heterosexual person to accept jokes between people of the same sex.
- This is only people who try to fight because the group is popular.
The accident highlights the growing pressure on k-pop idols to navigate in cultural differences in a global sector. With the most vocal international public on issues such as representation, diversity and inclusion, even a random comment can turn on the debate through the borders.
Sources: Daum – My newspaper
