[Comprehensive] 'Personality Controversy' Irene Admits to Power Abuse... "Apologized to Stylist"

Stylist Reveals "Pointed Finger in My Face... Recorded the Incident"
'psycho, monster' Hashtags Spread Irene and Seulgi Bullying Controversy
Irene and Agency Admit Bullying: "Sorry for Foolish Attitude and Reckless Words"

Red Velvet Irene. Photo by Irene Instagram capture.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-ju] Amid allegations that Red Velvet member Irene mistreated a 15-year veteran editor and stylist, Irene and her agency SM Entertainment have issued an apology.

On the 22nd, Irene posted on Instagram, "I sincerely apologize for causing emotional hurt to the stylist due to my foolish attitude and thoughtless words and actions."

She continued, "Many people have helped me get to where I am today, and I regret and reflect on causing great pain through my immature behavior."

Finally, Irene wrote, "I sincerely apologize to the fans who support my shortcomings and to everyone who has been worried because of this incident."

On the 22nd, Irene apologized after being embroiled in a power abuse controversy following a revelation by an editor and stylist. Photo by Irene Instagram capture.

Earlier, Irene was embroiled in allegations of mistreatment following a post by a 15-year veteran editor and stylist.

The stylist revealed the day before, "Today, I experienced being thoroughly stepped on and oppressed by someone in the position of 'Eul' (the subordinate)," stating that a certain celebrity, in an agitated state, pointed a finger at their face and unleashed harsh words.

The stylist said, "Even before meeting her, I had to prepare myself mentally just from the stories I heard, but today I was struck speechless as if shocked by an electric needle shot by the main character," adding, "In front of that disgusted face and the trembling person, I could do nothing but stand there like a fool."

They added, "After 15 years in this field, having encountered all kinds of people and thought I had bowed to life's hardships, I thought I had almost let go, but I was wrong," and mentioned that they recorded the situation when the mistreatment occurred.

The stylist did not reveal the identity of the 'celebrity who mistreated' them but hinted at Red Velvet's Irene and Seulgi by using hashtags 'psycho' and 'monster.'

Red Velvet Irene. Photo by Irene Instagram capture.

'Psycho' is one of Red Velvet's signature songs, and 'Monster' is a song by the unit featuring Red Velvet's Seulgi and Irene.

Following this, Red Velvet, Irene, and Seulgi rose to the top of portal site search rankings, placing them at the center of the controversy.

Although netizens speculated that the 'celebrity who mistreated' was Irene and Seulgi, the matter remained a rumor until Irene and her agency issued an apology.

SM Entertainment also released an official statement that day, saying, "This afternoon, Irene met directly with the stylist and sincerely apologized for causing deep hurt due to her thoughtless attitude and emotional words and actions. We are sorry for causing concern to many people due to her immature behavior."

They added, "We also deeply acknowledge our responsibility in this matter and will not forget the hard work of all those who collaborate with our company and artists. We will strive to ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future."

After the apology was made public, netizens responded with comments such as "The rumors were true," and "I expected this," while others criticized, saying "The apology lacks sincerity," "I was a fan but am really disappointed," and "Retire from the entertainment industry," showing that criticism has not subsided.

As of 10:16 PM on the 22nd, the ranking of rapidly rising search terms on the portal site. Irene apologized after being embroiled in a power abuse controversy following the editor and stylist's expos?. Photo by Naver Capture.

Full text of Irene's SNS post.

This is Irene.

I sincerely apologize for causing emotional hurt to the stylist due to my foolish attitude and thoughtless words and actions.

Many people have helped me get to where I am today, and I regret and reflect on causing great pain through my immature behavior.

Reflecting on the past through this incident, I felt ashamed of my inadequate words and actions and was reminded once again of the preciousness of the staff.

From now on, I will think and act more carefully to prevent such incidents from happening again.

I sincerely apologize to the fans who support my shortcomings and to everyone who has been worried because of this incident.

Full text of SM Entertainment's official statement.

This is SM Entertainment.

We would like to share our position regarding the stylist's post related to Irene that was published online.

This afternoon, Irene met directly with the stylist and sincerely apologized for causing deep hurt due to her thoughtless attitude and emotional words and actions. We are sorry for causing concern to many people due to her immature behavior.

We also deeply acknowledge our responsibility in this matter and will not forget the hard work of all those who collaborate with our company and artists. We will strive to ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future.

Once again, we apologize for causing concern to many people.