HYBE Releases Statement Regarding ENHYPEN Members’ Controversial Photo With Japanese Hostess

After being seen with a Japanese adult hostess, ENHYPEN’s Sunghoon and Jake have caused a stir among fans and sparked controversy.

This is the complete story.

HYBE Responds to ENHYPEN Members Controversial Photo With Japanese Hostess — (Photo : Jake, Sunghoon (Kpopping))

The two K-pop stars made an appearance at the Tiffany&Co. jewelry brand event, impressing onlookers with their sophisticated and stylish appearances.

Despite ENGENEs being excited to witness their interactions with other celebrities and fashion icons, their social circles expanding, this was not well received by Japanese and Korean fans upon seeing Jake and Sunghoon pictured with an adult entertainer.

Japanese ENGENEs Express Outrage Over ENHYPEN Sunghoon and Jake’s Controversial Photos with Hostess

Based on a report from Segye Ilbo on the 15th, the individual in the controversial photograph featuring Jake and Sunghoon is a highly influential Japanese hostess and proprietor of a cabaret club.

According to the article, the photo was simply a commemorative shot captured by the celebrities who were both invited to the Jewelry brand event.

Despite this, Japanese ENGENEs (ENHYPEN fandom) still voiced their unease and shame. They denounced the adult hostess for proudly positioning herself next to renowned K-pop stars and questioned whether the members were fully aware of who they were posing with.

While Japanese hostesses and adult actors (AV) are frequently spotted in public as they are commonly invited to attend events, this stands in stark contrast to the Koreans.

Japanese fans themselves also believe it is disgraceful for a K-pop idol to have connections with an adult entertainer.

Here are some translated Japanese comments that have been reported:

“I don’t think ENHYPEN knew who she is.”

“Even in Japan, being a bar hostess isn’t a work that we encourage to people.”

“It’s questionable that she was even invited to such an event.”

“Who uploaded this photo?”

“What is HYBE doing?”

“ENHYPEN should really be aware of who they are meeting.”

HYBE Addresses Backlash Surrounding Photo of ENHYPEN Jake and Sunghoon

After this issue began to circulate in multiple media outlets and online forums, agency HYBE clarified the context of the photo.

“When attending brand events, we respond to requests to take a picture from other attendees other than the relevant person at the venue. Often, there are a lot of cases when the identity of the requester cannot be confirmed in advance.”

The agency went on to say:

“ENHYPEN met Miss A for the first time at the event. She was also a guest from the event who had requested to take a photo at the venue, and we did not know her identity.

We would like to clarify that the photo was taken at the request of the attendee during the local event.”