BOYNEXTDOOR Leehan’s Pre-Debut Photos Gain Criticism For His Use Of Curse Words

BOYNEXTDOOR‘s Leehan is known as the vocalist and visual of the group BOYNEXTDOOR. The group debuted in 2023 under HYBE Labels‘ KOZ Entertainment. With his sharp jawline and high nose, it’s no wonder that he immediately caught the eye of many.

On February 18, 2024, a pre-debut graduation photo of the star went viral on online communities. In graduation photos in South Korea, many students are encouraged to give the yearbook photo a touch of personality. Some dress up, some hold up messages. It had become a brief trend to hold up messages to your future self or children. It seems like Leehan decided to adopt the trend. His harsh wording gained criticism among netizens.

Although the words mean “your father’s peak,” Leehan used harsher words than the trending ones. Usually, people use the Korean phrase that literally translates to “your father (or mother)’s legendary days,” Leehan used the word “Aebi” instead of “appa” or “emoji” for father. Although “aebi” is originally a satoori for “father,” the phrase “ni aebi” (your father’s) or “ni aemi” (your mother’s) is considered a curse.

Netizens were not only critical of his wording, but they were also shocked at how different he looked.

• Did I understand it right? He meant it for his future kids?
• Ah…
• I doubted my eyes.
• Wow… How did this not get released until now? His friends’ loyalty is legendary.
• Aigoo…
• Ah… when I see him in the future, I think I’ll only think of “ni aemi ni aebi…”
• Ugh, his wording…
• …
• Are they the same people?

Although many people curse in daily life, idols are expected to set a good example for the younger generation. The term “idol” is different from the term “singer” in Korea, hence many hold idols up to harsher standards.