Xdinary Heroes’ Jun Han apologizes for racial, eugenic comments
Jun Han of Xdinary Heroes / JYP Entertainment
Jun Han, a member of the K-pop rock band Xdinary Heroes, has issued a public apology after drawing backlash for remarks interpreted as promoting eugenic ideology during an online conversation with fans.
The controversy erupted when Jun Han, in a chat on fan communication platform Bubble, responded to a fan’s comment about genetic research by asking whether it would be possible to “combine the strengths of different races” — citing examples such as “the superior sugar metabolism of white people, the physical abilities of Black people and the intelligence of Asians and Indians.”
The comment sparked immediate criticism from fans and the public, with many accusing the singer of echoing ideas associated with eugenics, a discredited, pseudoscientific belief system based in racist assumptions. Eugenics promotes selective breeding of humans based on desirable traits supposedly associated with different ethnicities, groups and races.
Jun Han took to Xdinary Heroes’ official social media to apologize on Sunday. “I sincerely apologize for my careless remarks that hurt and offended many people,” he wrote. “I now realize that what I said reflected a biased view, and I deeply regret my lack of historical, social and cultural awareness and sensitivity.”
He added, “To those who were hurt or uncomfortable because of my ignorance, I offer my sincerest apology. I will continue to learn and strive to speak and act based on correct understanding.”
Jun Han concluded his statement by pledging to be more cautious in the future: “This has been a moment of reflection, and I will carry a greater sense of responsibility for my words and actions. I am truly sorry.”
His agency, JYP Entertainment, also released a statement expressing regret. “We sincerely apologize to everyone who was hurt,” the company said. “Jun Han takes the issue very seriously and is deeply remorseful for his inappropriate comments and the disappointment he caused.”
JYP further acknowledged its role in the incident. “We take full responsibility for our shortcomings in educating our artist. We will work to prevent similar incidents by strengthening education on social awareness, cultural sensitivity and appropriate public communication,” the agency said. “We are committed to helping our artists grow into individuals who act with maturity and sound values.”
Jun Han’s remarks and the subsequent apology come amid heightened scrutiny over public figures’ social awareness, particularly in global fandom communities where sensitivity to race, history and ethics is paramount.
Xdinary Heroes debuted under JYP Entertainment in 2021 as a six-member pop-rock band.
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.