A member of rookie Korean boy band JBJ has received criticisms after saying in an interview that he will beat up fans who will leave them.
On JTBC's "Unique Interview," member Noh Tae Hyun said, "For those of you who stop being fans. The moment you stop, you'll be beaten up like this." While it was meant as a joke, netizens found it offensive.
Noh Tae Hyun debuted as a member of boy band Hotshot in 2014 and then joined the TV survival audition show "Produce 101" Season 2. He didn't win but he joined JBJ, a boy band composed of former "Produce 101" contestants, which debuted in September with the album "Fantasy."
Following the criticisms, Noh Tae Hyun issued an apology.
"I sincerely apologize for causing concerns to many with my careless words," he said, "I'm deeply reflecting on how my lacking caused discomfort and disappointment to many. I will take more caution and think deeply about my actions from now on and I'll take this opportunity to mature up. Again, I sincerely apologize."
JBJ, composed of Noh Tae Hyun, Kenta, Yongguk, Kim Sang-gyun, Kwon Hyun-bin and Kim Dong-han, topped Hanteo's weekly chart from October 23 to 29. Since their debut, they have been busy promoting on TV and giving interviews to different media outlets.
In an interview with "1st Look," JBJ said they think they had the happiest start.
"We keep talking about being a group that fans created for us, and that's very important and clear. We believe we've had the happiest start out of anyone else. We did all debut different, but we're having a special experience as JBJ," they said.
They added that they are thankful and "we want to be with fans for as long as possible."
"Produce 101" Season 2 launched boy band Wanna One, consisted of the 11 winners in the search. After that, many former contestants formed their own boy bands and launched their solo careers including JBJ, Rainz, MXM and Kim Samuel.
