Why Did Stray Kids' Hyunjin Go on Hiatus? the Controversy That Shook K-Pop
By James H. Sterling
Unlike standard entertainment public relations tactics that rely exclusively on legal threats, JYP Entertainment initiated an internal fact-finding investigation. The agency contacted former teachers, school administrators, and alumni from Hyunjin's middle school to construct an objective record of the events. Their inquiry revealed that memories of the period were deeply fractured; recollections differed drastically regarding who initiated specific arguments, and emotional tensions had run high in the classroom environment.
Recognizing that verbal wounds remained regardless of technical fault, Hyunjin chose to meet his former classmates in person. He listened to their accounts, offered personal apologies for insensitive remarks made during his early adolescence, and sought mutual reconciliation. The accusers accepted his apology, agreeing that both parties wished to move forward without lingering animosity.
On February 26, 2021, Hyunjin posted a handwritten apology to Stray Kids' official Instagram account. The statement avoided defensive posture:
"First of all, I sincerely apologize to those who were hurt by my improper actions during my school years," he wrote. "Looking back on times when I was lacking, I am ashamed and have no excuse. I have realized that my words and actions from the past, which did not take others into consideration, have hurt people. It is too late, but I will deeply reflect."
The following day, JYP Entertainment released an official statement declaring that Hyunjin would halt all promotional schedules indefinitely to undergo an idol reflection period.
James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.
