Lovelyz Mijoo Apologizes for Sexual Harassment Controversy During Broadcast: "I Will Be Careful with My Words and Actions"

Group Lovelyz's Mijoo apologized after a sexual harassment controversy arose over a statement she made on a YouTube web variety show. The photo shows a screen capture from the controversial video. Photo by YouTube 'Mijoo Pickchu'

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Bong-ju] Lovelyz's Mijoo apologized after a sexual harassment controversy arose over a remark she made on a YouTube web variety show.

On the 8th, Mijoo posted a statement on Lovelyz's official Instagram, saying, "We are aware that the 'Mijoo Pickchu' video is causing controversy, and through the production team, we have conveyed our apologies to the person involved."

The controversy started from a remark Mijoo made to a male college student A, who is the same age, in the SBS MediaNet YouTube channel 'The K-POP' web variety show 'Mijoo Pickchu' video uploaded in June.

In the video, upon learning that A had a girlfriend, Mijoo asked, "How far have you gone with your girlfriend?" and said, "You went all the way. Definitely." When the male student replied, "We only kissed," Mijoo looked toward his legs and asked, "Are you really a man?"

Some netizens criticized Mijoo for making sexually harassing remarks. However, other netizens responded that it was just for entertainment purposes and that accusing her of sexual harassment was excessive.

As the controversy grew, Mijoo released a statement explaining, "Although I obtained consent from the participant at the time, I sincerely apologize once again for making a careless remark without considering that it could cause emotional discomfort to many fans and viewers."

She added, "I deeply apologize again to the general participant who must be most heartbroken by this, and I will be more careful with my words and actions and work harder in the future."

The 'Mijoo Pickchu' production team also issued an apology on the same day. The team said, "We apologize to the citizens who were hurt by the careless scenes and to those who have been loyal viewers of 'Mijoo Pickchu' for causing concern." The production team has made the controversial video private.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.