K-Pop group ENHYPEN member Ni-ki has come under fire for his comments regarding South Korea’s Independence Movement Day, a national holiday commemorating the March 1, 1919, declaration of independence from Japanese occupation.

On February 29, Ni-ki engaged with fans on Weverse, a fan community platform. In a since-deleted exchange with a fan who mentioned the upcoming holiday on March 1, he questioned,

“Is tomorrow a holiday?”

The fan clarified that it was indeed a national holiday, with everyone granted the day off.

 “Yeah, tomorrow is Independence Movement Day, so we’re resting.”

To this, the Kpop idol responded,

“I’m jealous heh.”

The situation escalated due to his Japanese heritage. In South Korea, many feel Japan should acknowledge and apologize for past actions, despite being generations ago.

While fans may be more forgiving due to biases, the public’s response has been unfavorable. Korean netizens expressed disappointment with Ni-ki’s comment.

“It makes me angry that a Japanese person is ‘envious’ about having the day off on the March 1st Independence Movement Day.”

Another fan suggested history lessons for Ni-ki to promote in Korea. Some urged HYBE to educate foreign idols on Korean history. One remarked,

“Wow if you’re that envious, do you want to be forcibly annexed by another country like us?”

However, the same day, soon after, the Kpop star posted an apology message which reads,

“Hello. This is Ni-ki. I apologize for my careless expression regarding the March 1st Independence Movement Day, an important day of national commemoration. I have realized my mistake and immediately deleted the said post. I will be more careful in the future.”

Some individuals voiced support for the idol.

• “He’s a foreigner, so it’s understandable he doesn’t know.”

• “He might not grasp the significance as a non-Korean.”