ENHYPEN's Ni-Ki sparked controversy when he expressed envy about the day off on March 1st Independence Movement Day in Korea.

As a Japanese member, his comment led to disappointment among some Korean netizens, who felt it was inappropriate for him to express envy about a holiday tied to Korea's struggle against Japanese rule.

Some called for education on Korean history, while others acknowledged his foreigner status and lack of understanding.

The incident raised discussions about cultural sensitivity and the need for idols to be informed about historical contexts.

ENHYPEN's Ni-Ki sparked controversy when he expressed envy about the day off on March 1st Independence Movement Day in Korea. As a Japanese member, his comment led to disappointment among some Korean netizens, who felt it was inappropriate for him to express envy about a holiday tied to Korea's struggle against Japanese rule.

Some called for education on Korean history, while others acknowledged his foreigner status and lack of understanding. The incident raised discussions about cultural sensitivity and the need for idols to be informed about historical contexts.

Some Korean netizens expressed disappointment with Ni-Ki's response and wrote, "It makes me angry that a Japanese person is 'envious' about having the day off on the March 1st Independence Movement Day," "If you want to promote in Korea, I think he needs to take some history lessons," "HYBE, you should educate your foreign idols on Korean history," "He should really think before he comments," "If he's not educated at least get some lessons," and "Wow if you're that envious, do you want to be forcibly annexed by another country like us?" Other netizens commented, "He's a foreigner so it's natural he doesn't know," and "He might not understand the significance since he's not Korean."

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On the latest episode of JTBC’s Battle! Paeng Bong Paeng Bong aired on April 19, actor Yoo Seung Ho showed up with a whole new vibe — a calm face, casual look, and a soft-growing beard that had everyone talking!

Appearing as a part-time helper for a fun cooking battle between married couple Paeng Hyun Sook and Lee Bong Won, Yoo Seung Ho teamed up with Kwak Dong Yeon to assist the two teams.

The pair helped with kitchen duties while also showing off their own cooking skills. Yoo Seung Ho whipped up spicy sea snail noodles (golbaengi somyeon), while Kwak Dong Yeon made his signature gochujang stew. The cast split up based on cooking abilities — Kwak Dong Yeon joined Park Mi Sun and Lee Bong Won, while Yoo Seung Ho sided with Paeng Hyun Sook and Choi Yang Rak.

Everyone was stunned when they learned Yoo Seung Ho is already 32 years old, saying he still looks like a baby-faced star! Park Mi Sun even pointed out that Kwak Dong Yeon is the same age as her son.

Later in the episode, Park Mi Sun stepped down from filming for health reasons, and comedian Lee Eun Ji came in as her replacement. She joked about being one year older than Yoo Seung Ho, and playfully made sure he knew it right away.

Because of long filming hours and travel, Yoo Seung Ho had grown a bit of facial hair. Kwak Dong Yeon teased him saying, “What are we gonna do about hyung’s beard?” But Lee Eun Ji was loving the new look! She said he reminded her of So Ji Sub from the hit drama I’m Sorry, I Love You. The production staff even added a hilarious caption: “Want to sell rice soup with me or die?” — referencing So Ji Sub’s legendary drama line.

Fans couldn’t get enough of Yoo Seung Ho’s chill new look, and many are already calling for a rugged drama comeback.

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