Student Claims: "Frequent Profanity... Felt Humiliated"
Poppin Hyunjoon (real name Nam Hyunjoon), who was serving as an adjunct professor in the Department of Practical Dance at Baekseok Arts University, has admitted to allegations of inappropriate language, including profanity, during class and has resigned from his professorship.
According to Yonhap News and other sources on December 14, Poppin Hyunjoon posted on his Instagram the previous day, "I would like to apologize and state my position as a professor regarding the recent controversy raised online concerning the Department of Practical Dance at Baekseok Arts University," and added, "As an educator, I created a strict atmosphere with inappropriate remarks, and I deeply reflect on having caused feelings of sexual discomfort, regardless of my intentions." He continued, "I want to make it clear once again that there was never any improper intent," but also stated, "As a consequence, I am resigning from my position as a professor in the Department of Practical Dance at Baekseok Arts University effective today. I sincerely apologize to the students."
Previously, on December 11, a post appeared on online communities such as Everytime, written by someone claiming to be a student in the Department of Practical Dance at Baekseok Arts University, sparking controversy. The student alleged that a certain professor frequently used profanity during class and made inappropriate remarks that caused sexual embarrassment in response to a student's protest. The student did not disclose the professor's name.
The post also claimed that the professor shouted and created a threatening atmosphere, and during a production practice class, said things like "This is not your stage, it's mine," or referred to students as "extras." In addition, it was reported that the professor often digressed excessively from the lecture topic during class, and on several occasions, spent less than an hour in the classroom during a three-hour class. As the post spread online, Poppin Hyunjoon posted a public apology, revealing that he was the professor in question.
Poppin Hyunjoon is considered a first-generation popping dancer in South Korea and is recognized as a leading figure in the country's street dance and popping scene. He is married to traditional Korean musician Park Aeri, and they have one daughter.
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