As allegations linking IDID member Kim Min-jae to a specific online community spread, label Starship Entertainment directly addressed the controversy.
Recently, Starship Entertainment used the fan community Berries to post a notice about Kim Min-jae’s set-log content. The label said, "We want to correct the facts regarding interpretations being raised online," then detailed how the controversial video was produced.
The video in question is Kim Min-jae’s set-log released on the 17th of last month. According to the agency, it was filmed the day prior, on the 16th, and proceeded at the content team’s suggestion to match a trending new communication style.
The agency explained, "Because Kim Min-jae wasn’t yet used to the new filming format, he misunderstood the shooting direction and ended up recording the video in reverse before sending it to the staff in charge." They added, "During review, we noticed the footage had been shot in reverse and even discussed a reshoot, but decided to keep it as is, viewing the mistake itself as part of the content’s natural vibe."
Regarding the captions and on-screen text, the agency said, "We inserted them in reverse during editing to fit the backward-shot video format," emphasizing, "It was not produced with any specific meaning or intent."
Addressing the much-noted "19:00" mark, the agency stated, "The time shown in the video reflects when the actual stage ended." They stressed that Kim Min-jae did not personally edit or upload the content; it was released through the designated procedures of the department in charge.
The label also clarified wording used on the fan community. "Phrases like 'iya' posted on Berries were used as common exclamations," they said. "We did not recognize that the expression could be interpreted in the way it is used on a particular site."
Starship Entertainment concluded, "We sincerely apologize as a company and as the relevant staff for causing misunderstandings and discomfort by not reviewing the production and QC process more carefully," adding, "We will be more cautious in production and review to prevent similar misunderstandings in the future."
Previously, multiple interpretations spread across online communities based on Kim Min-jae leaving the phrase "Iya!!" on the fan community, the set-log being filmed in reverse, and the time being displayed as 19:00 (7 p.m.).
At the same time, past remarks by Baby Don't Cry member Lee Hyun resurfaced, with some online communities taking issue with his birthday live stream comment, "Iya, I feel great."
Meanwhile, IDID is a seven-member group — Jang Yong-hun, Kim Min-jae, Park Won-bin, Chu Yu-chan, Park Sung-hyun, Baek Jun-hyeok, and Jeong Se-min — who released the single 'Fly!' last month.