EXO’s Kai is facing significant backlash following his recent appearance on the variety show “Call Me Baby,” where an interaction with baby Yi Jin has sparked heated debate across social media platforms. The incident has reignited conversations about appropriate boundaries between celebrities and children in entertainment settings.
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What Happened on “Call Me Baby”?
During the episode, Kai and fellow EXO member Sehun were playing with baby Yi Jin when, toward the end of their interaction, Kai requested a kiss. The young child then gave both idols a kiss on the lips—marking the first time Yi Jin had done this with any guest on the show. The moment was captured on video and quickly circulated online.
EXO’s Kai Controversial Moment Breakdown
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Show | “Call Me Baby” variety program |
| Participants | EXO’s Kai, Sehun, and baby Yi Jin |
| Incident | Child kissed both members on the lips |
| Context | First time Yi Jin kissed any guest |
| Reaction | Shock and excitement from Kai and Sehun |
| Public Response | Mixed—fans found it cute, critics called it inappropriate |
Why Fans Are Divided
While many fans found the interaction endearing, a significant portion of viewers criticized the action as “disgusting” and questioned why the parents didn’t intervene. The controversy centers on cultural differences regarding physical affection with children and appropriate professional boundaries.
Adding fuel to the fire, Sehun’s comment “He’s good at that” following the kiss was interpreted by some as referring to Kai’s kissing ability, though others argue it could have referenced the child’s actions with toys. The ambiguity of the remark has led to further speculation.
Understanding the Cultural Context
In Korean entertainment, interactions between celebrities and children on variety shows are common and often viewed differently than in Western contexts. However, global audiences with varying cultural perspectives have made this a polarizing topic. The incident highlights growing debates about:
- Professional boundaries in entertainment
- Parental supervision during filming
- Cultural differences in physical affection
- Child safety protocols on variety shows
For more insights on K-Pop controversies and industry dynamics, explore our coverage on K-Pop industry news and celebrity controversies.
Learn more about EXO and their journey at SM Entertainment’s official website.
The Bigger Picture
This incident isn’t isolated—it reflects broader conversations happening in the entertainment industry about appropriate conduct with minors during filming. As K-Pop continues its global expansion, artists face increasing scrutiny from international audiences with different cultural expectations.
FAQs
What exactly did Kai do that caused controversy?
Kai asked baby Yi Jin for a kiss during their “Call Me Baby” show appearance, and the child kissed both him and Sehun on the lips—something Yi Jin had never done with any previous guest. Critics argue the request itself was inappropriate regardless of the child’s response.
How has EXO or Kai responded to the backlash?
As of this writing, neither Kai nor SM Entertainment has issued an official statement addressing the controversy. The discourse remains active on social media platforms, with fans and critics continuing to debate appropriate boundaries in entertainment settings.
