ENHYPEN said “J*p,” a racial slur against Japanese people, and laughed about it. They must be held accountable.

In June 2025, the K-pop group ENHYPEN, under HYBE Labels, became the center of a serious controversy after an incident on the official app “Weverse.” During a Listening Party event, member Sunghoon mistakenly posted the phrase “Good j*p” instead of “Good job.” While some initially assumed it was a harmless typo, the term “J*p” is widely recognized in English-speaking countries as a racial slur against Japanese people. Originating during World War II, it has been used to dehumanize and insult Japanese people for decades. It is not a simple abbreviation, but a word filled with discriminatory and historical weight.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Although the post was deleted immediately, audio clips began circulating online in which members Jungwon, Heeseung, Jay, Jake, and Ni-ki were allegedly heard laughing and repeating the word “j*p.” One comment, reportedly from Jungwon, saying “He is Korean,” has led to strong speculation that the members were aware of the word’s discriminatory nature. To many, their laughter and casual use of the term appeared to mock or trivialize a deeply painful slur with historical significance.

 

 

 

 

 

In early July, as public criticism intensified, Sunghoon claimed on Weverse (Artists& fan comunity apps)that it was a spelling mistake by Korean. However,no Japanese no official apology has been made—neither by the group nor their agency, HYBE and BELIFT LAB. Given the layout of standard QWERTY keyboards, typing “j*p” instead of “job” requires deliberate input, which makes the typo explanation highly questionable.

What made the situation even worse is that some international fans began turning the slur into a meme. The term “j*p” has since spread across fan spaces like Weverse and social media, and ENHYPEN’s silence has contributed to the normalization of this racial slur. Neither the group nor their management has taken action to address or discourage this behavior.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is also not the first time ENHYPEN has been accused of anti-Japanese behavior. In 2024, the group sold official merchandise featuring a world map that completely omitted the Japanese archipelago. Many fans interpreted this as another instance of cultural insensitivity or even hostility. Combined with the recent incident, a troubling pattern has emerged, leading many to question the group’s attitude toward Japan and its fans.

 

 

 

We, the undersigned, call on HYBE and ENHYPEN to publicly acknowledge the offensive nature of the word “J*p,” issue an official and sincere apology, and suspend ENHYPEN’s activities in Japan until the matter is properly addressed. Racial slurs should never be tolerated, and silence in the face of discrimination only deepens the harm.