Stray Kids Leader Bang Chan issued an apology for the remarks he made during a recent live broadcast.
On May 14, Bang Chan hosted his regular “Chan’s Room” live stream, where he interacts with fans and discusses various topics. Towards the end of the broadcast, a fan asked him about his experience at “Music Bank in Paris.” While expressing his enjoyment of the event and the opportunity to perform alongside talented artists, Bang Chan, in English, commented that he felt the younger generation lacked basic manners and had a tendency to ignore greetings. He mentioned instances where greetings were disregarded.
I don’t know, I might sound like a boomer. Because generations are different, and I know that as well. But I feel like it’s come to the point where greeting someone is not considered as basic manners… Because you know, if you see someone walk by, and you say hi, but then, if they don’t reply back, it’d be like, ‘What the…? Okay…’ But I feel like it’s come to the point where this generation is allowed to do that. [To] just not care… because there were a few scenarios where that would happen.
– Bang Chan on his live.
Bang Chan further explained that he was initially surprised by the lack of reciprocation when some younger idols didn’t respond to his greetings. He mentioned he initially felt confused and thought he might be overreacting or being too old-fashioned. He also refused to directly name anyone or group he was referring to, stating that he didn’t want to reveal specific names.
However, he acknowledged that such behavior could be attributed to the differences between generations and that he would have to accept it as part of the reality.
– Bang Chan on his live
At first, I was like, ‘Okay, what… okay, this is…’ But then, the more I thought about it, I was like, ‘Maybe I’m just over-exaggerating. Maybe I’m thinking too much about it. Maybe I’m just a boomer.’ I mean, I’m not going to say names! But yeah, there are people out there… but I mean, I guess it’s a different generation. Probably just have to live with it, right?
As expected immediately after the live broadcast, there was a surge of online speculation about the identity of the idols Bang Chan was alluding to, with numerous toxic stans speculating it was directed at IVE.
However, on May 17, Bang Chan used his Instagram account to issue an apology and clarify that the remark was not directed at IVE, he did not directly mention any names in his apology.
Below is the exact apology posted by Bang Chan on his Instagram:
Hello, this is Bang Chan from Stray Kids.
– Bang Chan’s Apology
I apologize for the offense caused by the comments I made during a recent live broadcast.
I thought about the impact my words and behavior can have on others, and have deeply reflected on myself.
I would like to mention that it was not my intention to specify a certain artist, and that my comments had nothing to do with the artist being mentioned currently.
I would like to express my deepest apologies to the artist who has been hurt by my careless words. I sincerely apologize.
I will be more cautious of what I say in order to ensure this does not happen again.
Once again, I sincerely apologize.
