[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Eun-young] Key, a member of the group SHINee, has become a hot topic after telling an overseas fan who requested, "I can't understand, so please speak in English," to rather learn Korean.
Recently, Key spent time communicating with fans through a live broadcast on SNS.
Wearing green pajamas, Key appeared and after greeting fans, he began reading the rapidly incoming real-time comments one by one.
Among them, an overseas fan requested, "I don't understand Korean, so please speak in English."
Contrary to fans' expectations that he would speak fluent English, Key responded sharply, "Then learn Korean. Keep study hard Korean."
Netizens reacted to this as a 'refreshing statement,' expressing that it was satisfying. In fact, as K-pop has gained tremendous popularity overseas, it has not been difficult to find cases where some overseas fans demand K-pop stars to speak in English.
However, even though many K-pop stars already communicate in various languages, some overseas fans have controversially demanded that their own language be used even in communication spaces meant for Korean fans.
In response, netizens commented on Key's statement with remarks such as "If you like the artist, you should learn it yourself," and "So cool. A refreshing statement."
Meanwhile, Key enlisted for active duty in March last year and was discharged last month. Since then, he has been active as a fixed member on the tvN variety show 'Amazing Saturday - Doremi Market.'
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