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Stop imputing Western norms on any idol

SportsJun 15, 2026
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Recently, TOMORROW X TOGETHER’s new variety show TXT’s Parenting Diary became the center of online debate following a scene involving member Yeonjun and the toddler cast Choi Yoojun. The show followed the members as they took care for Yoojun, the young child featured throughout the program.

Previously, some viewers raised concerns about a child being filmed for entertainment purposes. The discussion intensified further after a particular moment from the show began circulating online. In the scene, Yeonjun and Soobin were helping Yoojun change into a swimsuit when Yeonjun was heard saying,

“Yoojun, you are se*y. Yoojun is se*y.”

The moment quickly sparked criticism, particularly among some international viewers. Many argued that describing a baby as “se*y” was inappropriate regardless of intent. Several social media users expressed discomfort with the wording, with some calling it “weird” and questioning why the term was used toward a child.

At the same time, others pointed to the English subtitles provided by KOCOWA+, where the line was translated as, “You look great, aren’t you?” Supporters argued that the translation better reflected the intended meaning behind Yeonjun’s comment. Many fans also defended the idol by highlighting cultural and linguistic differences.

According to several Korean-speaking viewers, the word “se*y” is often used in South Korea to describe something stylish, cool, impressive, attractive, or aesthetically pleasing. They note that the term is not always used in a se*ual context and can be applied to people, food, designs, performances, and other things considered appealing.

Some fans further argued that the controversy stemmed from differing cultural interpretations rather than malicious intent. They claimed that Korean audiences largely did not view the comment as problematic and believed Yeonjun was simply complimenting the child. One fan criticized the backlash, commenting,

“Or maybe we need to stop imputing western norms on any idol that lives in the US for 0.5 milliseconds stop ignoring actual context just because it fits your narrative better”

Or maybe we need to stop imputing western norms on any idol that lives in the US for 0.5 milliseconds 🙏 stop ignoring actual context just because it fits your narrative better

Several fans said the comment was intended as a joke and an attempt to comfort the child, adding that they found accusations of harmful intent unfair and exaggerated.

As someone living in Korea I’ve completely lost that kind of connotation to the word, when slang here even calls getting an extension on our uni paper “se*y”. It’s literally just used for anything positive ever, like “good” 😂 they’ll call food se*y, they’ll call the weather se*y

as a korean i think yeonjun was trying to be funny instead of actively se*ualizing a baby. it’s just that it was an unfunny and pointless joke that i personally wouldn’t have made if i were a globally famous celebrity, but male idols are kind of stupid as f**k in that sense

I think it’s more immoral to insinuate the members would put a child in danger, referring to a kid as handsome in a cute way to nurture him to stop crying is pretty f***ing normal actually do kpop stans not have brains or what

Meanwhile, critics rejected the cultural-context defense, arguing that calling a baby “se*y” was inappropriate regardless of intent. They felt some fans were excusing the remark simply because it involved a favorite idol.

they’re pretending it’s korean culture to call a baby “se*y”. I think everyone has lost their minds for the sake of kpop 😭

being a fan doesn’t mean you have to defend everything someone does

losing morals over kpop.. no matter what you say yeonjun’s comment was weird af

TXT’s Yeonjun reportedly gearing up for July solo release amid Parenting Diary appearances

Tomorrow X Together (TXT) in their latest variety show, Parenting Diary, step into the role of rookie caregivers for 14-month-old baby Yoojun. The reality series follows the group as they navigate the ups and downs of looking after a toddler, from feeding and changing clothes to outdoor activities and nap time.

With the show, Parenting Diary made a modern reboot of the beloved early-2000s program g.o.d’s Parenting Diary. The original series followed first-generation K-pop group g.o.d as they cared for a baby which became one of the most memorable variety shows of its era.

Meanwhile, TXT’s Yeonjun is reportedly gearing up for a new solo release as per a report by The Korea Times. The singer is said to be preparing an album with a target release window in July, marking his return as an individual artist less than a year after his solo debut.

The upcoming project will be Yeonjun’s first solo release since unveiling his debut mixtape in September 2024. The mixtape has allowed him to showcase his own musical identity outside of TXT’s group activities and achieved notable success in both South Korea and Japan.

Alongside Yeonjun’s solo preparations, TXT remain active with group promotions. Earlier this year, TXT releases their eighth mini-album, 7TH YEAR: A Moment of Stillness in the Thorns, on April 13, further marking the group’s seventh-anniversary celebrations.

The five-member act is currently holding anniversary concerts across Japan to commemorate seven years since their debut. After meeting fans in Aichi and Chiba in May, the group is set to continue the tour with performances in Fukuoka on June 16 and 17, followed by shows in Hyogo on June 23 and 24.