TXT’s Yeonjun Apologizes For “Inappropriate” Instagram Post
On August 15, 2024, TXT‘s Yeonjun uploaded photos of himself to his personal Instagram account.
Yet, almost as soon as he posted them, they were deleted. They were removed within just minutes of being posted.
While the photos initially appeared non-problematic, they were deemed an issue for many. The context is that the photos were from the group’s recent trip to Japan.
But August 15, when the photos were uploaded, is Korea’s Liberation Day, and many Korean citizens are sensitive to Japan-related content being uploaded on the day itself. Also known as Gwangbokjeol, the National Liberation Day of Korea commemorates the day “when Korea was liberated from 35 years of Japanese colonial rule by the Allies.” As such, Koreans refrain from consuming, promoting, and sharing Japanese goods or related content on the day itself.
While Yeonjun quickly deleted the photo set, many Korean netizens were disappointed that the idol seemed to have forgotten such an important day.
- “Jaemin deleted his immediately, too. Why should he be the only one to be cursed out?”
- “I had a good impression of him, but it’s Gwangbokjeol in the first place, so I’m so turned off that he even thought about uploading pictures from Japan.”
- “Even I avoid uploading things related to Japan on Gwangbokjeol or on Independence Movement Day… Public figures really ought to be careful.”
- “Do kids these days not learn about history? I’m so fascinated how things like this pop up yearly.”
- “Why are people ragging on him continuously when he deleted it immediately?”
- “Seems like things like this pop up on Gwangbokjeol for sure. Last year, Go So Young wrote an apology letter for uploading photos of her Japan trip on Gwangbokjeol.”
- “Those boy-crazy people [defending him] are so nasty and disgusting.”
Now, Yeonjun has released statements via his Instagram Stories and Weverse, addressing the matter.
Yeonjun apologized for his “carelessness” in sharing the photos on this day. He promised to reflect and be more cautious in the future.
Hello. This is Yeonjun.
I failed to respect the historical significance and meaning of Liberation Day and showed carelessness by uploading photos.
I apologize to everyone who was hurt by my inappropriate actions. I will reflect on my shortcomings and be more cautious to ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future.
Once again, I offer my sincere apologies to everyone.
— Yeonjun
Gwangbokjeol is taken seriously in South Korea. Many celebrities, especially idols, have received criticism for their mistakes today. Earlier, both NCT‘s Jaemin and Stray Kids‘ Felix received criticism for errors made on Korea’s Liberation Day. Read more below.
