SHINee members Taemin faced criticism for remarks he made about Minho's skin tone during a SHINee.ing episode, which have since been removed from SHINee's YouTube channel.

In this particular episode, Taemin commented on Minho's skin tone darkening after outdoor activities, making light-hearted jokes about his complexion.

Taemin Responds with Instagram Apologies 

However, a segment of viewers considered these comments to be "colorist" and expressed their disappointment in the two artists for their words.

Soon after the controversy erupted, Taemin issued apologies via his Instagram stories. These apologies conveyed their intention to reflect on their statements in response to the feedback from fans.

While opinions on the adequacy of these apologies vary, many fans have been pleasantly surprised by the artists' willingness to acknowledge and address the concerns raised.

In the realm of K-Pop, instances where artists make comments or engage in actions perceived as offensive by fans outside of Korea have often been met with minimal response from entertainment companies.

Netizens' comments:

• "I'm glad Taemin finally addressed the 'colorist' controversy with Minho. It's important for celebrities to take responsibility for their actions."
• "Apologizing is the bare minimum in situations like these. Taemin should also educate himself and work towards being more aware of the impact his words may have."
• "I hope this controversy serves as a lesson for Taemin and other idols. Colorism is a serious issue that needs to be addressed and eradicated in the entertainment industry."
• "It's good to see that Taemin is willing to apologize, but it's crucial that he actively works towards change and understanding."
• "Let's hope that this incident sparks a broader conversation about colorism and encourages positive change within the K-pop industry."

SM Entertainment, in particular, has faced criticism for its handling of similar situations in the past, where negative reactions from fans were either disregarded or received delayed responses.

READ ALSO: SHINee Taemin Flaunts Duality With Airport Outfit - Its 'Twist' Is Sending Shawols in Frenzy! 

Despite the potential to let the issue slide, many fans appreciate SHINee's decision to take steps toward acknowledging and apologizing to those who were hurt by the comments, marking a departure from the past norm in the industry.

Meanwhile,SHINee Taemin, who is currently serving in the military, has been reported. Along with this, his discharge date was also revealed, drawing attention. 

READ THE FULL STORY HERE: SHINee Taemin's Status Amid Military Service + Discharge Date Revealed 

Follow and subscribe to KpopStarz for more news.
KpopStarz own this article.
Cassidy Jones wrote this.