Live reply sparks uproar
During an August 30 personal stream, a fan sent the message "Hyung, date me," and Woochan refused with wording interpreted as "I'm not like that," which ignited allegations of disparaging LGBTQ+ identities as the clip spread across platforms. The broadcast exchange-quoted locally as "You're calling me hyung and trying to date me? I'm not like that. No"-quickly drew sharp criticism from overseas communities and renewed scrutiny of on‑air phrasing.
Fandom reactions escalate
International audiences contrasted the line with examples of inclusive responses by male idols and framed the issue as an artist's stance rather than a cultural norm, fueling demands for clearer language. Domestic threads showed division between claims of overreaction and calls for caution, and the dispute has snowballed as fans clash with one another, amplifying the fallout far beyond the initial clip.
Past apology resurfaces
The uproar revived Woochan's July apology tied to lyrics highlighted during group content, including a line cited as "I'm so se**," which led him to comment directly to fans, "I know. I'm sorry to those who felt uncomfortable," per local reports.
That episode, which followed teammates pointing out his wording in a light exchange, is now being revisited as context for ongoing scrutiny of his expressions and judgment.
Team controversies add strain
Attention also returned to teammate Tarzzan's braided hairstyle issue labeled cultural appropriation by overseas fans, keeping the group under sustained monitoring amid continuous discourse. With earlier discussions on the hairstyle still referenced in Korean outlets' archives, the combined weight of incidents has intensified image pressures on the rookie co‑ed act.