Hearts to Hearts Jiwoo, Jueun, Yeon officially apologize for Afro wig controversy on Japanese variety show

Hearts2Hearts members Jiwoo, Jueun, and Yeon issued an apology after being criticized for wearing afro-style wigs on a Japanese variety show, which was deemed racially insensitive. On the 14th, Jiwoo, Jueun, and Yeon each expressed their apologies in Korean and English through the fan communication platform Weverse. Jiwoo stated that she had not deeply considered how wearing the wig during filming might be perceived, adding, ″I am learning from the many comments I have received since then, and I now understand why I was wrong.″ She also said, ″I am truly sorry. From now on, both I and the members will think more carefully and act with greater caution.″ Jueun reflected on her actions during filming, saying, ″I realized that I should have thought and acted more carefully at that moment.″ She continued, ″I had no intention of hurting or disrespecting anyone, but I understand that my actions may have caused pain to some people. I will learn from this experience and act more thoughtfully in the future.″ Yeon also said, ″Through this incident, I have reflected on how my actions, regardless of intent, could affect others and have learned a lot.″ She added, ″I will think more deeply about how my behavior might be perceived and act more cautiously and responsibly.″ The controversy arose from the Japanese debut variety show ″Congratulations! Hearts2Hearts’ Owarai Dojo,″ which aired on the Japanese OTT platform ABEMA on the 12th. During a comedy mission, Jiwoo, Jueun, and Yeon wore afro-style wigs prepared as props and performed a Michael Jackson-inspired act. Some overseas fans later pointed out that the scene could be seen as mocking a specific race and culture. Meanwhile, Hearts2Hearts officially debuted in Japan on the 12th with the release of their first Japanese single, ″ICONIC HEART.″