Kep1er member Yujin and her agency, KLAP Entertainment, have issued formal apologies following backlash over an outfit deemed disrespectful to Islam.
The controversy began when fans noticed Yujin wearing a shirt adorned with a bedazzled depiction of “Allah,” the Arabic word for God in Islam, alongside an image of the Kaaba, the holiest site in Islam, referred to as the “House of God.”
Many expressed anger, requesting that religious symbols should not be used as fashion statements and calling the design deeply offensive to Muslims.
Fans further pointed out that Yujin had previously worn the same shirt, and that it had also been seen on members of another girl group, Badvillain.
While some defended the group members, explaining that they typically have no control over their outfits, others criticized the agency and stylists for failing to exercise cultural sensitivity.
In response to the backlash, Yujin apologized directly to fans on the fan-platform Bubble. KLAP Entertainment also released an official statement:
“Hello, this is KLAP Entertainment.
We have confirmed that Kep1er’s Yujin recently wore an outfit featuring a design with religious content. We have since removed all photos showing this outfit.
We acknowledge that we should have thoroughly reviewed the designs before presenting them to our artist. We deeply apologize for the distress caused by our ignorance and oversight.
As Kep1er has fans not only in Korea but also across the globe, we commit to exercising greater caution to prevent such incidents in the future.
Once again, we sincerely apologize for the offense caused.”
Additionally, the brand responsible for designing the shirt has addressed the issue, removing the item from its inventory and pledging to create designs that are “thoughtful, respectful, and considerate of the diverse communities” it serves.
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