Key, Taemin, And SHINee’s Production Team Apologize For Insensitive Remarks In Recent Content
SHINee’s Key and Taemin have apologized for remarks they made during the group’s recent YouTube content.
On September 26, SHINee uploaded the first episode of their self-produced YouTube variety content called “SHINee-ing.” In the video, Taemin commented to Minho, “Ever since you started playing golf, when I see you, all I can see are only the whites of your eyes and teeth.” Key also remarked, “Why did you get so sun-kissed/tanned? If Minho closes his eyes and mouth at night, you’ll go, ‘Minho?'” while mimicking a search with his hands for Minho.
Shortly afterward, fans criticized Key and Taemin’s comments for their racial and colorist undertones.
On September 29, Key and Taemin apologized for their remarks and the production team also issued an apology statement.
The production team’s full English apology is as follows:
Hello, this is SHINee’s PRISM Production Center.
We sincerely apologize to everyone who felt disappointed and hurt by a content that was recently uploaded on SHINee’s channel.
Inappropriate remarks that were not ill-intended were included in the members’ conversation.
Once we became aware of the issue, we immediately removed the clip.
We take the feedback from the fans very seriously, and we now understand how disrespectful these comments are.
Both Key and Taemin are deeply regretting their behavior and reflecting in order to do better in the future.
Moving forward, we will be more cautious and attentive to prevent recurrence.
Once again, we sincerely apologize for our actions.
Key wrote the following message in English:
This is SHINee’s Key.
I deeply apologize for my insensitive remarks in the recent content, and I have spent a lot of time reflecting on feedback from the fans who were disappointed by my comment.
I will be more careful to make sure that my words and actions are more considerate moving forward.
I sincerely apologize.
Taemin’s apology reads:
This is SHINee’s Taemin.
My sincerest apologies for any discomfort and hurt caused by my inappropriate remarks in the recent content.
Thanks to our fans, I fully understand why the comments I made were disrespectful, and I will make a more diligent effort to be careful with my behavior and words in the future.