Jungkook·T.O.P·Jo Hye-jung. Provided by Yonhap News. Provided by The Seed. Provided by Tving.

From Jungkook’s apology for profanity during an intoxicated live broadcast, to T.O.P’s principled stance after an ineligibility ruling, to the public debate over Jo Hye-jung’s return…. A roundup of major entertainment issues on the 8th.

■ Jungkook apologizes over ‘middle finger’ controversy…“If it made you uncomfortable, I am sorry, but I do not know whether it was wrong”

Jungkook, a member of the group BTS, stated his position on the recent live-broadcast controversy.

On the 8th, through the fan communication platform Weverse Live, he said, “I am sorry to ARMY who felt uncomfortable,” and added, “I will refrain going forward.” However, he also said, “I do not know whether it was a serious wrongdoing,” drawing a line regarding the profanity and actions themselves.

He continued, calling it “an expression commonly used in this industry,” and emphasized, “Swearing in front of a camera may be uncomfortable, but I do not regard that in itself as wrong.” As for some critical opinions, he also expressed discomfort, saying, “I have nothing to say to people who are busy bashing anything and everything.”

Earlier, in the early hours of the 26th of last month during a Weverse Live broadcast while drinking with an acquaintance and communicating with fans, Jungkook mentioned that he smokes and, with profanity and a finger gesture, sparked controversy with rough words and actions. After the broadcast, reactions online were split, with some saying “He is candid,” while others criticized it as “careless for a public figure,” and heated debate continued.

■ T.O.P, even with 7 of 11 new tracks ruled ineligible, says “no re-review”…principled stance with ‘Multiple Perspectives’

The singer-actor T.O.P said he will not request a re-review after most of his new songs were deemed ineligible by KBS’s music review.

According to KBS’s music review results released on the 8th, 7 of the 11 tracks on T.O.P’s first studio album ‘Multiple Perspectives’ were deemed unfit for broadcast. In response, his agency Topspot Pictures told Star News the same day, “As the music is already complete, we have no intention of seeking a re-review,” and added, “We respect the broadcaster’s ineligibility decision as well, because it is also a ‘multiple perspective.’”

The reasons cited included coarse expressions such as profanity·slang, violations of restrictions on advertising effects due to mentions of specific brands, and lyrics that evoke substances harmful to minors and illegal acts.

Meanwhile, ‘Multiple Perspectives’, released on the 3rd, is T.O.P’s first solo album in 13 years, and it recorded about 1.47 million streams on Spotify on its first day, demonstrating global interest. The decision is interpreted as an artist’s conviction to preserve the work’s original form rather than modify it to meet broadcast-review standards.

■ Netizens divided over news of Jo Hye-jung’s return

Actor Jo Hye-jung is set to return to the small screen for the first time in three years with the Tving original drama ‘Yumi’s Cells Season 3,’ and online reactions are split.

On the 8th, Tving released character stills of Jeon Seok-ho, Choi Daniel, Jo Hye-jung, Miram, and Park Se-in, who appear in ‘Yumi’s Cells Season 3.’ The photos capture each character’s individuality, and it was announced that Jo Hye-jung joins as ‘Na-hee,’ Yumi’s assistant writer in the drama.

Previously, Jo Hye-jung halted activities following the MeToo controversy in 2018 after sexual harassment allegations were raised against her father, Jo Jae-hyun. She later made a brief appearance in the 2022 tvN drama ‘Our Blues,’ and with this project she is making a full-fledged return.

Once the related news emerged, various reactions continued online. Some said, “We support the comeback,” “This should not be viewed as guilt by association,” while others argued, “It is hard to avoid criticism because she gained recognition by appearing on variety shows as Jo Jae-hyun’s daughter,” “A return to broadcasting is inappropriate while there are victims,” leading to considerable negative opinion surrounding the comeback.