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| GFriend's Sowon apologized Monday for posting photos of herself with a mannequin dressed as a Nazi soldier. Korea Times file |
By Dong Sun-hwa
Sowon, a member of K-pop act GFriend, apologized Monday for posting photos of herself hugging a mannequin dressed as a Nazi soldier at a cafe in Paju, Gyeonggi Province.
"We sincerely apologize for causing a stir," the group's agency Source Music said in a statement on the singer's behalf. The company explained that GFriend and some staff members visited the place in November to take photos and record videos for the band's new album.
"But the staff members in charge were unaware of the problem with the mannequin's clothing. We failed to recognize in advance that there were inappropriate props at the filming site and uploaded our content without a thorough examination. We are sorry for not paying more attention to historical facts and societal issues."
The company added that Sowon was shocked after she realized the problem with the photos and deleted them immediately.
"She feels a strong sense of responsibility and pain for what she did," Source said.
After Sowon shared two photos on Instagram featuring the controversial mannequin, Jan. 30, numerous online users took offense at her apparent insensitivity.
"The Nazis are not someone we should adore or hug," wrote a Twitter user. "They murdered millions of Jews. I am glad that the photos were deleted, but we need a sincere apology about this."
Some defended her mistake.
"She was just being naive," an internet user commented. "She made a mistake, but it would be okay if she apologizes and does not repeat it."
More mannequins dressed in Nazi uniforms appeared in GFriend's YouTube video titled, "回:Walpurgis Night' Comeback Show VCR Shooting Behind ― GFRIEND," posted Dec. 12, but were also edited out in the wake of the controversy.
Sowon, whose real name is Kim So-jung, debuted as the leader of GFriend in 2015 with the mini-album "Season of Glass." The band's hits include "Glass Bead" (2015) and "Me gustas tu" (2015).
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