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? #kpop pic.twitter.com/vz4MNSzULK

— nobodyyy (@ooooaaaaooaa1) July 29, 2024

can we talk about how kpop idols need to stop referring to every single thing as hip hop.. like camo is not exclusive to hip hop culture at all.

wearing shades is not hip hop.
wearing neck jewelry is NOT hip hop.

COSPLAYING BLACK PEOPLE IS NOT HIP HOP.

fuck. https://t.co/kOL6QHr4F9

— kj 𖧵×𖧵 (@choibeomkj) July 30, 2024

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."

God I’m so thankful for how sincere and seriously she took this. We love you rei 🫶🏼 https://t.co/dMeX1ak5Mv pic.twitter.com/zcKPnm5mnV

— Cassie ☀️IVEPALOOZA☀️ (@reikkomia) July 31, 2024

  

Here's how fans reacted to Rei's apology:

• "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."

Rei didn't need an official letter from the company, Rei didn't need to play the victim, she just apologized and acknowledged her actions. Now realize that she is an amazing girl and that she will never be the bad person you want her to be. https://t.co/cUXd8dotpR

— xo, rai(ta) do ive | ☀️IVEPALOOZA☀️ (@xoxonaoi) July 31, 2024

 

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

— 딸기 bbh ´ㅅ` (@joyureism) July 31, 2024

 

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_twt https://t.co/V8pFvQtirM

— 💙CRUSH on 28/08💗 (@gelph0bic) July 31, 2024

 

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

— sea 🌊 is seeing jiwon 🐝 (@yojeongsea) July 31, 2024

 

best girl, naoi rei. https://t.co/3xTusnbGrc

— rei💘 ivepalooza on august (@reinmyhearttt) July 31, 2024

 

Rei 🥺 she is truly a sweetheart ❤ https://t.co/ReoIIJuiaK

— DUBADUWARIWARI 🍉 (@dreamlikeiz) July 31, 2024

 

she ate that apology honestly love her https://t.co/fGIjYxKYPl

— iz ౨ৎ hanna (@iznabae) July 31, 2024

 

I LOVE U REI 😭😭😭😭 https://t.co/W0AwPtEuoo

— sam-san⁷ (@bangtansproof) July 31, 2024

 

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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: IVE Rei's Under Fire For Her Hip-Hop Style with Hello Kitty Plushie - A Racial Micro-Aggression?

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Written by Israel Monte