While contract terminations are one of the biggest issues in K-pop, there are other troubles or controversies idols have encountered such as lineup changes or car accidents. In a lot of these situations, a lot of K-pop leaders stepped up to speak about the situation. Here, we collected some of their responses.
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EXO's Suho - Kris' lawsuit
After Kris' lawsuit was confirmed, Suho talked to the media outlet Osen. He told them, "All the members had a conversation. We don't understand Kris' actions at all. Everyone was caught off-guard and have mixed feelings. I think Kris' actions are irresponsible and show that he's not thinking about EXO at all. Our members and agency have no issues. What Kris needs to do right now is take back the lawsuit and apologize to the members and company."
Not surprisingly, his comments brought a mix of reactions from fans. Many fans were disappointed by his harsh words while others thought Suho was just being honest and frustrated with what was happening. All the same, this wasn't exactly the best comment he could have made (there is also speculation that it wasn't actually Suho, but that's a whole other conversation). As EXO's introduction line is "We are one," he could have balanced his statement a little more. But all the same, his frustration is understandable. Even if Kris' lawsuit was 100% justified, this is a big blow for a group that's just started on the peak of their popularity.
KARA's Gyuri - Lineup changes
Shortly after the reality show 'KARA Project' was announced, leader Gyuri tweeted, "Our Kamilia is always getting hurt. I'm sorry. There are so many things I want to say, so many things I want to explain, and so many things I want to say to make you feel better, but it's hard to say through text. I also think that the meaning might get twisted to become hurtful and make my people suffer more. I was never able to say anything easily, but even if I'm a celebrity or not, I'm sorry for giving pain to the ones who loved us. There are painful words saying KARA's at its last breath, that we're lacking confidence, etc... But we have to show you that... it's different than what you think. Because that's what we have to do... It's not like that. I'm just sorry you're hurt. I'm sorry. I hope the rest of your day is good..".
Her apology soothed a lot of fans' distress - she showed that she herself really cared a lot about the fans, and that she understood what they were thinking. But she also didn't say anything to belittle any decision related to KARA - in fact, she actually said that it was 'different than' what people thought. This apology actually reaches out to both fans and doubters.
U-KISS' Soohyun - Lineup changes
U-KISS has also gone through a lot in their run - they had one round of member switches already, then had Dongho leave, and will now be ukissSH
Leeteuk also spoke about Kangin's controversies. While Kangin was in the army, Leeteuk said, "When Kangin first had his assault incident, I thought that I should protect him. Kangin also said he was sorry, and he looked like he was reflecting on his actions. But a month later, he had another accident, and I honestly felt betrayed. But we are one, so I thought I had to protect him. People say time is medicine, and as time passed, my heart softened a little."
As the leader of 13 members, Leeteuk's gone through a lot - he doesn't get chosen as the best leader in every online poll for no reason. In each situations, Leeteuk resonated with the basic feeling of almost every ELF - to see all of their members together again. He was especially good with handling Kangin's situation, where he admitted that he himself was mad at Kangin but then eventually came to forgive him.
Leaders who choose not to make any responses to controversies probably understand that no reaction is also a reaction. There have been a bunch of situations in which leaders stayed silent - G-Dragon is a good example as he never mentions other members' controversies, and Yunho also stayed silent throughout the JYJ-SM contract battle. Kahi also kept mostly quiet while she was the leader of After School, although she's starting to speak up more now that she's no longer a part of the group.
Then there are cases in which other members speak up instead of the leaders. Eunji, not Chorong, talked about Yookyung leaving A Pink. Minah, not Sojin, spoke up about Jihae leaving Girl's Day. Yenny tends to be more vocal than Sun on Wonder Girls' situations, although Sun did apologize for the lack of activities lately.
Last but not least, when controversies are surrounding leaders themselves, leaders tend to keep quiet (mostly because they feel like speaking up will just make the situation worse) or just simply apologize.
Which form of response do you think is the best? Do you think leaders should speak up for their group at all, or is silence the best point of action?
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