By Pyo Kyung-min/The Korea Times
Seulgi, a member of the K-pop girl group Red Velvet, issued an apology after online posts surfaced showing her swapping shoes with her manager at the airport, leading to allegations of staff mistreatment.
On Saturday, Seulgi took to her Instagram to address the allegations that had arisen earlier that day. "I am sorry for causing disappointment to my manager and many others due to the incident at the airport yesterday," she wrote.
The allegations began when photos comparing Seulgi’s Friday departure from Incheon International Airport and her arrival later that day at Taiwan’s Kaohsiung International Airport were posted online.
At Incheon, the SM Entertainment star was seen wearing shimmering blue high heels. A female manager from Red Velvet was photographed at the same time, wearing gray sneakers. Later, social media videos revealed Seulgi arriving at Kaohsiung International Airport in gray sneakers, while the manager appeared to be wearing Seulgi’s heels.
Online users quickly speculated that Seulgi had exchanged her high heels for the manager’s more comfortable sneakers, prompting criticism. Some comments accused her of burdening the manager, who was already carrying a lot of luggage, with uncomfortable high heels.
In response, Seulgi explained that as she was walking, her feet began to blister. Upon seeing her struggle, her manager suggested they temporarily switch shoes to avoid impacting her performance later. Seulgi clarified that the decision to switch was not made under her coercion.
“I apologize for making an improper decision in a moment of pain and disappointing those who were let down by my actions," the K-pop star added. "I have personally apologized to my manager and will be more careful and considerate to ensure such incidents do not happen again.”
This incident is not the first time a K-pop idol has faced allegations of power abuse.
Recently, Jennie from BLACKPINK was criticized for vaping indoors and exhaling smoke at a staff member’s face. Following the backlash, Jennie’s agency, OA Entertainment, announced that she had personally apologized to the staff member involved.
The frequency of such incidents has sparked debate in Korea about whether stars, particularly female celebrities, are being held to excessively strict moral standards.
Reports from international media, including the BBC, have highlighted the rigorous behavioral expectations placed on K-pop stars, noting that any mistakes are not tolerated.
The Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post also pointed out that "pop stars undergo rigorous training for years before their debut and are held to high behavioral standards, with smoking, dating and swearing largely forbidden, especially in the first years following their debut."