Controversy Erupts from Hyojin Choi’s YouTube Video Featuring BUMSUP Members
On June 21, Hyojin Choi released a video entitled “The Loudest SWF Review in the World, World of SWF Episode 1 Reaction” on her YouTube channel, Today’s Hyojin Choi. The clip included reactions from members of BUMSUP, including Honey J, Aiki, Lip J, Rihey, and Leejung as they viewed the show.
Contentious Comments Spark Outrage
This seemingly light-hearted video took a sharp turn when Honey J criticized Danica‘s dance moves, dismissively asking, “Is that dancing? It’s just s*x.” Additionally, Aiki reacted to a moment where she received a “No Respect” signal—a gesture used to demean an opponent’s performance—by unleashing a torrent of profanity, exclaiming, “This fcking btch, this fcking…”

Immediate Backlash and Apologies
Just one day following the video’s launch, public outrage ensued. By June 22, both Honey J and Aiki took to their Instagram accounts to issue apologies. They acknowledged that they had allowed themselves to become too engrossed in the moment, leading to inappropriate expressions and strong emotions. They expressed regret, saying, “While casually watching with the members, we got overly immersed in the moment and showed intense reactions toward the opposing dancer. We sincerely apologize for using emotionally charged expressions.”
Shifting Blame: Hyojin Choi in the Spotlight
The initial criticism directed at Honey J and Aiki quickly shifted towards Hyojin Choi, the video’s uploader. Observers remarked on her apparent unawareness of the video’s potential to be deemed offensive. Accusations of “team sabotage” and personal criticisms were rampant, with comments highlighting that she had tarnished the reputation of Korean dancers during a time when they were competing on an international stage, referring to the situation as an “international embarrassment.” The fallout from this incident was significant, particularly with respect to BUMSUP‘s recent rise to fame; just three days before, their Mega Crew Mission video had racked up over 10 million views and was hailed as a “legendary performance.”

The Aftermath: Hyojin Choi’s Silence
In the wake of the growing criticism, Hyojin Choi has made the controversial video private but has not publicly apologized or addressed the situation directly. As pressure mounts from netizens demanding accountability for her role in the controversy, all eyes are on whether she will respond to public expectations and offer an apology.
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