Rapper and comedian Lee Young-ji is under fire after her May 31 Instagram Stories sparked unintended political interpretations. In an honest and quick response the same day, she deleted the posts, dyed her hair back to black, and issued a heartfelt apology to fans.
Lee Young-ji Apology: Key Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date of Posts | May 31, 2026 (early morning KST) |
| Content | Red T-shirt, newly red-dyed hair, CORTIS “REDRED” as BGM |
| Caption | “My hair color’s pretty, right? It’s new.” |
| Issue | Red color seen as political support before June 3 elections |
| Action Taken | Posts deleted, hair dyed black immediately |
| Apology Date | May 31, 2026 (via Instagram Stories) |
In her apology, Lee Young-ji wrote: “You must have been surprised yesterday because I uploaded such an ill-timed story… I wasn’t thinking clearly as I haphazardly posted recent photos. I will not hide behind the cowardly excuse that I was ignorant, and I will learn from this while reflecting. I apologize for my thoughtless behavior.”
This incident comes at a time when CORTIS is enjoying massive success. Their track “REDRED” recently earned the group an Inkigayo triple crown and 11th win, topped the May Rising Star Brand Reputation Rankings with a 409% surge, and dominated the Billboard World Albums chart. The timing with the elections made the red-themed post particularly sensitive.
The moment stands in contrast to the celebratory mood across K-pop right now — from BTS launching their emotional 2026 FESTA and LE SSERAFIM breaking Billboard records with PUREFLOW to aespa’s LEMONADE success, STAYC’s upcoming comeback, and new group announcements like Starship’s AEN.
For more on her career, visit the Lee Young-ji page on Wikipedia. Follow all the latest in our K-pop news hub.
Lee Young-ji showed maturity by immediately owning her mistake instead of making excuses. In a politically charged time, even innocent posts can be misread. Her quick reflection and action speak louder than the error itself. Here’s hoping she bounces back stronger.
FAQs
Q: Why did Lee Young-ji apologize on Instagram?
Q: What did Lee Young-ji say in her apology?
A: She admitted her “eagerness to communicate got ahead of me,” took full responsibility without excuses, dyed her hair black, and promised to reflect on her thoughtless behavior during a sensitive time.
