Veteran K-pop artist Kim Jae Joong has responded to growing backlash over comments he made as a judge on Mnet’s survival audition show ‘Boys II Planet.’nnInternational fans in particular took issue with what they perceived to be remarks focused on contestants’ appearance and weight, sparking controversy over the past few days.
The issue stemmed from a recently aired segment on Boys II Planet, in which Kim Jae Joong gave feedback that some viewers interpreted as placing undue emphasis on the contestants’ physical appearance, rather than their performance skills.
On July 27 (KST), the artist addressed the matter in real time via Weverse Live, later offering a more detailed follow-up explanation through Instagram.
Kim Jae Joong Clarifies Intentions: “It Was About Enhancing Performance”
During his Weverse Live broadcast, Kim Jae Joong elaborated on the context behind his comments, asserting that his suggestions were rooted in helping the contestants improve their stage presence, not in shaming their appearances.
“They were already very skilled, so I thought even a slight change in visual presentation would add a bonus and help them leave a stronger impression. It wasn’t about looks—it was about stage presence,” he said.
Kim explained that many of the trainees had already been rated as “All-Star” performers, and only a select few—approximately 10%—showed exceptional potential to stand out further.
His comments, he said, were meant to encourage these individuals to consider how minor transformations could amplify their charisma on stage, not to undermine their confidence.
Private Conversations and Mutual Understanding
The artist also emphasized that what viewers saw on the edited broadcast didn’t fully reflect what occurred behind the scenes.
According to Kim, he had private conversations with the trainees after filming to ensure his comments were understood in the right spirit.
“After filming, I spoke directly with the trainee, and he understood where it came from. Of course, from a viewer’s perspective, edited clips can be misleading, but we had honest conversations off-camera.”
These off-camera interactions, he said, were essential in clarifying intent and ensuring mutual respect between the mentors and participants.
Supportive Gestures: Gifting Language Textbooks
In an effort to further support the trainees, Kim revealed that he had even gifted Korean language textbooks to several of them.
The gesture was widely praised by fans, who saw it as a sincere attempt to help international contestants feel more connected and comfortable in a Korean-speaking environment.
“As someone who’s been following their journey, I genuinely wanted to help them shine,” he said.
Instagram Statement
“I Sincerely Apologize If It Came Across That Way”
Kim Jae Joong followed up his live explanation with a detailed written response through an Instagram comment, directed at a concerned fan.
He reiterated his apology while attempting to clarify the broader context:
“I see that it came across that way to you, and if so, I sincerely apologize. To clarify — I did not make any remarks intended to criticize someone’s appearance. It seems the footage was edited.”
He stressed that the mention of dieting came only after the trainee acknowledged it himself, and the comment was not meant as a directive, but as encouragement to refine performance, not to alter personal identity or appearance for aesthetic purposes.
“It wasn’t said to shame him, but rather to encourage him to show an even better performance during evaluations… I wanted to offer sincere and constructive advice rather than superficial praise.”
A Message of Growth, Not Judgment
Kim acknowledged that while his words may not completely resolve all discomfort, he hoped fans would take the full context into account before forming conclusions based solely on what was shown in edited clips.
He also offered a heartfelt message for all the trainees:
“The masters understand the participants’ sincerity and the weight of their dreams better than anyone. So even if our words seem strong at times, they come from a desire to support and protect the trainees’ futures.”
He closed by reaffirming his long-standing support for the show and its participants, stating that he had followed their journey from the beginning and wanted to see each of them grow and succeed.
Mixed Reactions from Fans
While many fans appreciated Kim Jae Joong’s transparency and thoughtful response, reactions remain mixed.
Some believe the explanation was genuine and needed, especially given the intense pressures of idol training culture.
Others continue to express concern over how even well-meaning feedback can reinforce problematic beauty standards in the industry.
Still, many applauded the idol’s willingness to speak candidly and take accountability, noting that such dialogue opens the door for more constructive and compassionate mentorship in competitive reality shows.
As Boys II Planet continues to unfold, the conversation sparked by this controversy serves as a broader reminder of the delicate balance between constructive criticism and personal sensitivity, especially in high-stakes entertainment environments.
Whether intentional or not, words carry weight—and Kim Jae Joong’s public effort to clarify his intentions may set an important precedent for how mentors engage with the next generation of K-pop stars.
