PSYCHIC FEVER From EXILE TRIBE’s Ryushin Addresses Criticism Of His “Racist” Political Attire
PSYCHIC FEVER from EXILE TRIBE‘s Ryushin has finally apologized for his recent controversial attire choices.
LDH Records‘ 7-member J-Pop boy group formed in 2019 after members previously met as elite students at EXPG STUDIO (an LDH-run dance academy). The group currently includes Tsurugi, Nakanishi Ryoga, Watanabe Ren, JIMMY, Kohatsu Kokoro, Handa Ryushin, and WEESA.
While PSYCHIC FEVER from EXILE TRIBE made their official debut on July 13, 2022, with the studio album P.C.F., the group went viral with “To the Top” (featuring DVI) last year, then again a few months ago with “Just Like Dat feat. JP THE WAVY,” capturing the attention of K-Pop fans.
The group has gained many international fans due to its members’ talent and diversity. Jimmy is Nigerian Japanese, and WEESA is Moroccan Korean. So, when one of their fellow members wore what many feel was racist attire, fans were left disappointed.
Recently, Ryushin has been spotted wearing problematic attire on two separate occasions. Once, he wore what appeared to be a “Make America Great Again” cap, which is part of U.S. President Donald Trump’s political campaign. Another day, Ryushin wore a T-shirt that contained the Confederate flag. Both of these items are associated with racism, especially White supremacy, throughout the United States.
For several days, ForEVERs (PSYCHIC FEVER from EXILE TRIBE fans) have been expressing their disappointment via social media. Many were flabbergasted, wondering where this Japanese member even obtained such attire.
Why ryushin wearing a make America great again hat … bro is from Japan how do you even get that pic.twitter.com/9nViyx5zWP
— meggy ᡣ𐭩 (@capri_sung) June 30, 2024
also we need to stop dwelling on the *POSSIBILITY* of ryushin knowing about the historical context of the confederate flag and MAGA slogan, and focus on the simple fact that he wore it. pls don't stray away from our purpose of holding him accountable AND getting an apology https://t.co/BreNS5hdAO
— CLOSED (@psyf4ver) July 1, 2024
it actually takes me out that yall are more worried that ryushin might get hate like he didnt wear a TWO hate symbols… pic.twitter.com/Cydz3OONJM
— ^3^ (@mygirl_ISA) July 1, 2024
ForEVERs have been sharing posts in English and Japanese, informing of how problematic Ryushin’s attire choices were while demanding that he holds himself accountable. The fandom urged him and LDH to “understand the repercussions of aligning oneself with such hateful political symbolism and to take prompt and meaningful action.”
PRIORITIZE LETTING RYUSHIN KNOW HE SHOULDNT BE WEARING OR OWNING THAT SHIT!
it doesnt matter what statement you use,just as long as the same message is sent. go and post on CL timeline or on twitter! pic.twitter.com/SRbhEPt2B2
— YANA (inactive til idk) (@pistekangYawaa) June 30, 2024
Seeing Ryushin from Psychic Fever in a MAGA hat is disheartening. It supports a radical group while their music borrows from Black American culture. LDH's silence feels like disrespect. Disappointing treatment of Int./Black fans.#PSYCHICFEVER #LDH #RespectBlackCulture pic.twitter.com/t3mgYhoa6Z
— Nala mya (@nala_mya) July 2, 2024
[NOTICE]
For the past few days, ForEVER have been speaking out against the clothing items that Ryushin has worn on two separate occasions and have been demanding that he holds himself accountable.We urge him and LDH to understand the repercussions of aligning oneself with such… pic.twitter.com/8f6bp6sbus
— PSYFE GLOBAL (@psyfe_global) July 1, 2024
Funny, isn't one of y'all rocking a tattoo that says Equality? Not very "equality" of you. #PSYCHICFEVER #ldh #acknowledge @LDH_PR_OFFICIAL @psyfe_official pic.twitter.com/FByQNHevB2
— Nala mya (@nala_mya) July 2, 2024
On July 3, LDH and Ryushin finally addressed fans’ concerns, releasing statements in multiple languages on social media regarding the matter. The company apologized, claiming there was “no intention to support any particular political group or organization,” and has since deleted posts containing the problematic attire.
We sincerely thank you for your continued support of our company.
We deeply apologize for any inconvenience caused due to the recent comments and feedback regarding the attire of our artist, RYUSHIN HANDA of PSYCHIC FEVER. As the management office, we regret that we did not thoroughly verify and consider the implications.
Although we had no intention to support any particular political group or organization, we acknowledge the lack of understanding regarding the historical and discriminatory implications of these fashion items and Instagram posts. As a result, we have decided to remove the post containing this photo.
We will take utmost care to prevent such situations in the future.
We humbly ask for your understanding as we work to address this issue and improve our practices.
— LDH JAPAN Inc.
Additionally, a message from Ryushin himself was included. He apologized for offending and disappointing fans with his attire and expressed his shame at his ignorance.
【A Message from RYUSHIN HANDA】
To my dear fans,
I sincerely apologize for the recent controversy surrounding my choice of attire. I am deeply sorry for any offense or disappointment my actions may have caused.
I wore these items without fully understanding their political meaning and historical context. I deeply regret that my actions have hurt and offended many people. I am ashamed of my ignorance and am truly sorry for my mistake.
My intention has always been to bring music and dance to people regardless of race, gender, or ideology. I never meant to express any political message. However, I understand that my lack of awareness caused disappointment and anger, and for this, I offer my deepest apologies. This incident has made me realize the importance of considering the broader impact of my actions.
Moving forward, I commit to acting more responsibly and will work hard to regain your trust. I will dedicate myself to personal growth and to become a role model. I humbly ask for your forgiveness and hope you will give me the opportunity to learn from this mistake.
— Ryushin
Fans were relieved that he and the company finally apologized. Many are forgiving, believing the apologies to be sincere.
What people need to know is unintentional mistake is still a mistake 😅it doesn't make it right. Hence the apology is important. And no one is blaming any member. There are actual fans here whose real life affected by those flag and slogan.
Its a sincere statement from him👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽— 🥀🥑👦🏼🧸(^❥^) (@resoloser2) July 3, 2024
Still, many can’t help but feel disturbed by the entire situation.
I however will never forgive how some of you acted and are still acting.
I want to make something painfully clear these were not just some normal "woke culture" ass items okay. I am from Houston mfing Texas do you hear me!? You know The South the place where that flag is swayed
— ∞ Terrell (@psyfeye) July 3, 2024
I could post the thousands and thousands of mangled corpses and tortured images to show you the atrocities that occurred and still do occur because of that flag. If you didn't know it's used hand in hand with a swastika by White Supremacists they see it as one and the same. pic.twitter.com/3PuXuTazCX
— ∞ Terrell (@psyfeye) July 3, 2024
How do you feel about the controversy and apology?
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