Girl group Hearts2Hearts apologized immediately after being accused of racism for wearing wigs and performing Michael Jackson on a Japanese variety show.
Hearts2Hearts' Jiu on the 14th apologized in both Korean and English through the fan community Weverse, saying, "When I wore a wig during filming, I failed to fully consider how my actions might be interpreted or that they could hurt someone. After hearing from many people, I am learning and have come to understand why I was wrong. I am truly sorry, and from now on I and our members will think more and act more carefully."
Yeeon also said, "Through this incident I reflected on how my actions could affect others regardless of intention and learned a lot. From now on I will think more deeply about how my actions might be perceived and act more cautiously and responsibly. I sincerely apologize to those who were hurt or disappointed because of me," and Jueun also bowed her head, saying, "Thinking back again about my actions during filming, I realized I should have been more careful in that moment. I had no intention of hurting or being rude to anyone, but I understand that there may be people who were hurt by my actions and I am truly sorry. I will learn from this and think and act more carefully in the future."
Earlier, Hearts2Hearts appeared on the variety show 'Chuk! japan debut Hearts2Hearts' owarai dojang' which was released on the Japanese OTT platform ABEMA on the 12th.
There was a corner where members showcased impromptu talents using props, and Jiu, Jueun and Yeeon wore afro perm wigs and imitated Michael Jackson's performance. However, the scene spread online, and some overseas fans who saw it raised critical views that it "mocked a particular race and culture."
The following is the full apology from Hearts2Hearts' Jiu, Yeeon and Jueun
Hello, this is Jiu. When I wore a wig during filming, I failed to fully consider how my actions might be interpreted or that they could hurt someone. After hearing from many people, I am learning and have come to understand why I was wrong. I am truly sorry. From now on I and our members will think more and act more carefully.
Hello, this is Yeeon. Through this incident I reflected on how my actions could affect others regardless of intention and learned a lot. From now on I will think more deeply about how my actions might be perceived and act more cautiously and responsibly. I sincerely apologize to those who were hurt or disappointed because of me.
Hello, this is Jueun. Thinking back again about my actions during filming, I realized I should have been more careful in that moment. I had no intention of hurting or being rude to anyone, but I understand that there may be people who were hurt by my actions and I am truly sorry. I will learn from this and think and act more carefully in the future.<
[photo] SM Entertainment
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