Popular Korean Band Member Faces Backlash For Using A Derogatory Expression

Recently, band LUCY member Sangyeop garnered criticism for his word choice on the fan messaging app, Bubble.

His word choice while replying to a comment received much backlash from netizens.

“Fan: My polaroid camera.

Sangyeop: Paper ssagae (wrap)”

“Fan: What’s a paper ssagae?

Sangyeop: Paper comes out when you take a picture with a Polaroid.”

This garnered a negative response online as the expression “ssagae” started being used in places, including online communities such as DC Inside, as a derogatory remark towards the gender conflict problem in Korea.

Not long after, Sangyeop posted an apology regarding his statement.

“This is Choi Sangyeop. I found out that I have disappointed many people with my word choice. I apologize for worrying fans who support me due to my careless word choice.

The word choice I made has no other meaning or intent. But I am deeply reflecting on my carelessness and will be more cautious from now on.

Although I am a bit late, I am sincerely sending this message to apologize to the fans I have disappointed.

I deeply apologize once again to everyone who supports me.”

— Choi Sangyeop

However, Korean netizens were still appalled that he would use such wording while chatting with fans.

• “I was shook after seeing the meaning in the comments.”
• “I can see what kind of standard he has. His apology is even insincere.”
• “He’s using that word to mean ‘output,’ right? Then that’s just disappointing.”
• “It’s a shame..it was a band I liked.”
• “It’s a play on the word ‘bed-wetter’ used to degrade women…”
• “So he used the word without actually knowing what it means?
• “Dirty.”

• “How often did he use that word in real life for it to be used so easily.”
• “Wasn’t it this band who recently had controversy talking about the military?”
• “Unstanning.”
• “I’m sure he knows the meaning of how he used it.”
• “This is him? How immersed is he to just use it that easily?”
• “How can someone use that word to describe a Polaroid?”
• “How could he use such a word?”