Following allegations that Taiwanese celebrity Huang Weijin sexually harassed LE SSERAFIM at the Superstar Red & White Entertainment Awards, the singer-actor is now being slammed for his insincere apology.
Keep on reading for all the details.
LE SSERAFIM Reportedly Sexually Harassed by Taiwanese Celebrity at Event
During the 2024 Taiwan Superstar Red and White Entertainment Awards aired on January 27, LE SSERAFIM appeared as one of the guests and performers. Prior to their performance, the group was seen trying to eat sweet potatoes using bamboo skewers.
Seeing this, Taiwanese singer and actor Huang Weijin remarked playfully, "I want to stick it too, the sweet potato balls, underneath them."
FOR MORE INFORMATION: LE SSERFIM Allegedly Harassed by Taiwanese Celebrity
Despite his co-star Lulu Huang Lu Zi Yin expressing surprise and suggesting, "It seems like a slip of the tongue," Huang Weijin responded, "I simply wanted to share a meal with them, nothing more."
Soon after the event, Huang Weijin's remark went viral. The celebrity earned the ire of fans, who slammed him for making an inappropriate comment against the girl group. It was also noted that the group's youngest member, Hong Eunchae, is only 17 years old, making his actions wrong and immoral.
Taiwanese Actor Apologizes for Sexually Inappropriate Remarks Against LE SSERAFIM; Draws Backlash
In an attempt to address the situation, Huang Weijin took to his personal Instagram account to share an explanation and apology on January 28.
He stated that his comment was an instinctive reaction to Yunjun's mention of sticking a sweet potato ball with a bamboo skewer and that he intended to express the joy of eating with idols he likes. Despite clarifying that there was no hidden meaning behind his words, he apologized if his remarks made viewers uncomfortable and acknowledged his fault. He also stated that he was accepting of all the criticism and guidance given by the angry fans.
However, Huang Weijin's apology was met with further backlash, especially from fans who highlighted the insensitivity of his comment in the presence of a minor, Hong Eunchae of LE SSERAFIM, who is only 17 years old.
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Many argued that his apology seemed rushed and lacked genuine feelings. Additionally, Huang Weijin failed to directly address an apology to the members of LE SSERAFIM. The use of phrases like 'instinctive reaction' and 'misunderstanding' in his statement only made the situation worse rather than resolving it.
Amidst this controversy, some Taiwanese celebrities, including Lulu Huang Lu Zi Yin, have publicly supported Huang Weijin. She stated that during the event, he did his best to react on the spot and that he showed sincerity and diligence in his work. This support, however, only further fueled the fans' anger. Many continue to express their disappointment over the incident and the response it has received.
In other news, LE SSERAFIM is preparing for the release of their third EP, "EASY," scheduled to be released on February 19 at 6 PM KST.
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Written by Alexa Lopez
