Hyunjin of Stray Kids returns after bullying scandal

Stray Kids' Hyunjin / Courtesy of JYP Entertainment

By Dong Sun-hwa

Hyunjin of K-pop boy band Stray Kids has resumed his musical activities, ending a four-month hiatus triggered by his bullying scandal.

Hyunjin, 21, and his bandmates put out on Saturday the new single, "MIXTAPE: OH," composed by members Bang Chan, Changbin and Han.

The group's management company, JYP Entertainment, said that Hyunjin had spent the last few months in self-reflection after the scandal.

"Hyunjin made donations to people in need and took part in volunteer work while he was on his hiatus," the agency said. "With a more conscientious and mature attitude, he will kick off promotional activities with other members beginning in July."

In February, Hyunjin made an apology after his classmate insisted online that he had verbally abused and sexually harassed her when they were attending the same middle school.

"I offer my sincere apology to those who were hurt by my words and actions in the past," he wrote. "I have no excuses… I am ashamed of my past misdeeds."

JYP also apologized, saying, "Hyunjin will put his career on hold and take time for self-examination. We will make sure that he apologizes to the victims and helps them recover."

People remain divided over his return. While some people welcome and support him, others think his decision to return to music is premature.

"He apologized to the victims and they accepted it," one fan said online.

However, another wrote, "Did he actually reflect upon himself during the four months? He must have had to film the music video for the new single and prepare for its release… And what does a donation have to do with his bullying scandal?"

Hyunjin debuted as a member of Stray Kids in 2018 with the mini-album, "I am NOT." The group was recently crowned the winner of Mnet's competition show, "Kingdom: Legendary War," and "MIXTAPE: OH" is its first release since the group's appearance on the program. "MIXTAPE: OH" is a reggaeton rhythm-based track about a man acting childish around his crush.

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