Rei released an apology on the fan platform Bubble, which addressed her "Hip Hop" remarks on a tanned Hello Kitty plushie. The idol's messages also gained the attention of K-pop fans, who reacted to Rei's apology.
On July 29, Rei came under fire for her latest live broadcast, which featured her comments about a tanned Hello Kitty plushie. According to clips shared online, Rei was shown gushing about her adorable "Tanning Kitty" stuffed toy with camouflage boxers.
Apart from the toy's appearance, Rei faced criticism for making remarks such as "gang gang" and "skrt skrt" during the livestream, which led to accusations of racial microaggression and cultural insensitivity.
So one else finds it a bit weird that #REI from #IVE gets a tanning kitty and decides to give it camo boxers to look “hip hop” and then says “gang gang skrtt” or should we let this slight ignorance pass bc she said it in a cute way? #kpoppic.twitter.com/vz4MNSzULK
On July 31, DIVEs shared on social media platform X (Twitter) that Rei had personally apologized on Bubble.
"While I was monitoring, I found out that the words I uttered during the last live when I was showing my favorite doll to DIVE were inappropriate word choices.
I also want to acknowledge that I've made the wrong expression on DIVEs around the world, and I sincerely apologize to DIVEs who were hurt by this (incident).
As we communicate, I will always think about how every single word will affect DIVE and become Rei who can make them happy with a sense of responsibility. I'm not good at English, so I'm sorry to deliver it in Korean."
"DIVE, I'm really sorry."
"I got to see work last night and I just waited for the morning, and I wanted to apologize quickly. I always think of DIVE the most and love them with all my heart. I'll keep that in mind after reading DIVE's replies."
"She immediately apologized as soon as she found out her mistake, I'm proud of her."
"We sure do stan the right idols, I want to hug her so bad."
"She is the most genuine idol I know, and she deserves only the best. We love you Rei! Thank you for speaking up about this."
"IVE is a great group and good for her for at least acknowledging her wrongs and apologizing."
She didn't even make excuses and straight up apologizes. If I see someone badmouthing her again after this, i can defend her full force now. I stan the right person. Taking responsibility of what her words can do, thats an idol. https://t.co/xyyCYQX9pZ
See? Educate them cuz they want and ARE WILLINGLY to learn. I stan the right group. Period. We love you rei, we love you ive💖 @IVE_twthttps://t.co/V8pFvQtirM
i’m happy rei apologized and didn't let this drag on. her comment during the live was disappointing, but i know she didn't mean to hurt anyone. i'm glad dives didn't turn a blind eye to this. let's hold our faves accountable when they're wrong. we love you, rei, you know that. 🫶🏼 https://t.co/NHB46r8Id0
