Popular K-Pop Idols Under Fire for “Mocking” Disabled And Neurodivergent People
Recently, members of DIVE Studios‘ Get Real podcast have faced criticism after part of an episode went viral.
On December 9, a new podcast episode was uploaded on YouTube. This episode featured the usual hosts, BTOB‘s Peniel, Ladies Code‘s Ashley Choi, KARD’s BM, along with guest 82MAJOR‘s Yechan.
The four idols discuss Yechan’s past, including his relationship with his brother, P1Harmony‘s Keeho. Peniel says that the two were in school for a year together due to their three-year age gap, surprising Yechan with the knowledge.
After saying that he knew that because of their age gap, Peniel says he isn’t “a slow person,” making hand gestures and a low sound into the mic.
The clip was uploaded on X, which has gone viral with over 2.6 million views.
oh! that’s… pic.twitter.com/PxHWI0t1pA
— alycat vote park juwon and cha woongki (@catsyves) December 25, 2024
Many criticized Peniel’s behavior as ableism, which is defined as a set of beliefs and practices that discriminate against people with disabilities. His statement that he isn’t “slow” accompanied by actions he perceives as such could be considered mocking of those with disabilities or that are neurotypical, including those with autism.
Individuals with disabilities or that are neurotypical could potentially move or vocalize (i.e stimming) in the ways that Peniel did, but to considered them as “slow” or unintelligent is an ableist stereotype that has existed in media and culture for many years.
Netizens criticized not only Peniel, but the others participating as well because of their laughter at his actions.
ableism is literally never okay and that fact that some of you think it is is SO SO sad and disgusting… https://t.co/DbkRRn6jfU
— jaye ♟️🩰 (@starringateez) December 26, 2024
and people wonder why neurodivergent people dislike when neurotypical people talk anything about autism as a atypical person. you guys will NEVER know the experience and struggle of an autistic or neurodivergent person. fuck peniel, fuck ashley, fuck bm and fuck yechan. https://t.co/obAIllquIk
— allen ! (@togami4me) December 27, 2024
Sigh. Peniel and Dive, again.
I dont think hes a bad guy or an actual ableist but at some point we have to learn that some things normalised to us are actually behaviors that contribute to the stigma.
This iceberg is not definitive but is an example how to simply explain it. 🩵 https://t.co/VF47Ctkpge pic.twitter.com/cT5E6ewu7h
— Karis🪻 (@proserpinatyche) December 26, 2024
You can watch the full episode below.
