ITZY’s Ryujin Addresses Viral Clip & Apologizes to Fans
ITZY’s Ryujin has bravely addressed a recent controversy surrounding a viral clip from one of the group’s concerts, where she was seen in what some deemed an ‘inappropriate moment’. The incident, which quickly spread across social media, sparked considerable discussion among fans and netizens alike.
On July 18, KST, Ryujin took the time to speak directly to fans during a livestream, where she issued an apology for the widespread attention and debate caused by a video clip of her adjusting her shorts while on stage.
The Truth Behind the Moment & Ryujin’s Candid Explanation
Ryujin revealed that the incident wasn’t just a fleeting online topic; it had become a personal one. She shared that people close to her had been discussing it with her, admitting she even received scolding over the matter. The ITZY member then candidly explained the practical reason behind her action: her jumpsuit was riding up uncomfortably high, causing not only general discomfort but genuine pain. In that moment, without much thought, she instinctively reached into her shorts to pull it down, not fully realizing how the action might be perceived by others or captured on camera.
ITZY’s Ryujin apologizes to fans after a video of her adjusting her outfit on stage goes viral.
She says she received a lot of criticism & communication over the clip, promises it will never happen again, and sincerely apologizes to fans. pic.twitter.com/cgkv77nAcA
— ITZY BASE (@itzypopbase) July 18, 2026
Ryujin mentioned that she let her guard down on stage because she has grown too comfortable being around her fans, and apologized for acting “without thinking.”
She also recounted a conversation with a friend who prompted her to self-reflect deeply on the incident, even making her pledge out loud that she would never repeat such an action in public again. Ryujin openly admitted feeling disappointed in herself for the minor mistake. However, she quickly displayed her characteristic sporting spirit, adding a lighthearted joke about perhaps bringing a pair of scissors next time instead of feeling embarrassed by the incident, a testament to her resilient personality.
🐱: Right now, I’m getting a lot of messages from people around me and also getting scolded quite a bit.
About that moment when I put my hand inside my pants, I wanted to apologize and clarify things to MIDZY.🐱: Let me sit up straight and be serious for a second
MIDZYs Rally: Fans Defend Ryujin Against Sexualization
Though Ryujin appeared to be handling the controversy well, fans were disheartened by the fact that she had to apologize for the situation when, in their eyes, she was clearly the victim of sexualization. Many devoted MIDZYs (ITZY’s fandom name) quickly pointed out that the viral videos were meticulously manipulated with slow motion and reverse effects to deliberately make Ryujin’s actions appear perverse and sensationalized, when in reality, it was a brief, natural movement lasting only a few seconds.
she’s a victim of sexualisation yet she’s the one apologising????
also, she needs to surround herself with better people because why tf are they throwing her under the bus instead of defending her???? https://t.co/NVBz5kwVGU
— taï (@leechaerrry) July 18, 2026
I feel the need to share the original unedited video because of how widely the maliciously edited clips have spread that led to misinformation and harassment
Ryujin was simply adjusting her outfit between performances. The edited clips intentionally slow down, reverse and loop… pic.twitter.com/9q9s6579Mz
— baddie in spotlight look🪼 (@thinkboutryu365) July 18, 2026
kpop is not real cause male idols can get away with itching their balls in public without anyone saying anything but she’s forced to apologise just cause her jumpsuit was uncomfortable and needed adjustment https://t.co/a3uD1ibchL
— ᵕ̈ (@pinksbabymon) July 18, 2026
being a woman is truly hell, when a man adjusts his underwear no one bats an eye but when a woman does it suddenly it’s the end of the world https://t.co/2Hp2dxkWRf
— (ppicheori) (@evlip7e) July 18, 2026
Some fans also lashed out at the friend Ryujin mentioned for seemingly making her feel like she was at fault, suggesting that instead of support, the idol received further pressure during a vulnerable time.
and fuck whoever is that friend because wdym you tell your friend who was just adjusting her concert outfit to reflect?? reflect about what??? https://t.co/EulB6HjLdZ
— koko (@shingaste) July 18, 2026
who the fuck is her “friend” who said all this and who is scolding her omfg GO TO HELL https://t.co/Gp5ltG6X6W
— pixi&that ☘︎ ݁˖🍊 (@SEUNGlNNIE) July 18, 2026
She’s been GASLIT into believing she was the one in the wrong even by the people around her I’m so mad https://t.co/meqyTV3zKI
— Ru (@Ryuddaenguard) July 18, 2026
The overall sentiment among fans shifted from concern for Ryujin’s perceived mistake to frustration over her being forced to apologize for what they saw as an innocent, natural human reaction. This incident highlights the immense scrutiny K-Pop idols face, even for the most mundane actions, and the disturbing trend of online content manipulation for clicks and controversy.
