SHINee member Taemin faced significant backlash after making controversial comments about Japan's earthquake predictions during a July 5th livestream. During the broadcast from Japan, he joked about how "cool" it would look if an earthquake shook the stage during his performance, referencing the viral "July 2025 Great Earthquake" prophecy from a 1999 manga. His remarks were widely criticized as insensitive toward natural disasters, prompting him to issue a formal apology on Instagram the following day, expressing deep regret for his "careless" words.
SHINee Taemin Japan Earthquake Statement Controversy and Apology
The Controversial Live Stream Incident
On July 5, 2025, after SHINee's performance at "Show! Music Core in Japan" at Belluna Dome, Taemin conducted a live broadcast alongside fellow member Minho. During this stream, Taemin made several statements that would later spark widespread controversy.
The incident began when Taemin referenced the viral "July 2025 Great Earthquake" prophecy, saying: "About that prophecy, we're still safe, so you don't have to worry too much."
However, the controversy escalated when he continued with what many perceived as insensitive remarks: "Because I'm a major N, I imagined, 'What should I do if an earthquake hits while I'm singing [on stage]? Would it look cool if [the stage] shook here? If it gradually gets more intense, is it really going to shake like it's 3D? There are fireworks going off and flame on stage, so what happens if starts shaking?"
The Manga Prophecy Background
The Source of Fear
The prediction stems from Japanese manga artist Ryo Tatsuki, who published a comic book titled 'The Future I Saw' (내가 본 미래) in 1999, claiming to have seen a prophetic dream. In it, she warned that "a submarine eruption between Japan and the Philippine Sea will trigger a tsunami three times greater than the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake," and pinpointed July 5, 2025, as the date of the catastrophe.
Why People Believed It
Her work, based on what she described as prophetic dreams, gained renewed attention after appearing to predict the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. This track record made many Japanese citizens take the 2025 prediction seriously, creating genuine anxiety and concern.
Public Backlash and Criticism
Immediate Response
The remarks quickly drew criticism for making light of a natural disaster, especially considering the very real concerns of people in Japan. Many netizens found his comments particularly inappropriate given Japan's history with devastating earthquakes.
Why the Comments Were Problematic
The Japanese take earthquakes seriously due to it being a source of damage and loss for many in the country. Japan experiences earthquakes more often that many other Asian counterparts.
Many netizens expressed disappointment, saying that even in jest, such comments trivialize real trauma and ongoing concerns.
Key Criticisms:
- Making light of natural disasters
- Insensitivity toward earthquake victims and survivors
- Treating a serious prediction as entertainment
- Lack of consideration for local residents' fears
Taemin's Official Apology
Quick Response
On July 6, 2025, just one day after the controversy erupted, Taemin posted an official apology on his Instagram Story in both Korean and Japanese.
Full Apology Statement
"Hello, this is Taemin. I apologize for speaking thoughtlessly about the earthquakes out of the desire to reassure my worried fans. I am reflecting on the fact that I failed to fully consider the situation of the locals or the dangers posed by natural disasters. I, too, was very worried [about the earthquakes], and I am relieved that they passed without major damage."
Promise for the Future
Taemin concluded his apology by stating: "In the future, I will become a person who thinks more carefully before speaking."
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| July 5, 2025 | Taemin performs at "Show! Music Core in Japan" at Belluna Dome |
| July 5, 2025 (Evening) | Controversial livestream with Minho discussing earthquake prediction |
| July 5-6, 2025 | Public backlash spreads across social media platforms |
| July 6, 2025 | Taemin posts official apology on Instagram Story |
Cultural Context and Sensitivity
Japan's Earthquake Trauma
Japan's sensitivity to earthquake-related comments stems from its tragic history with seismic disasters. The 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami resulted in nearly 20,000 deaths and caused the Fukushima nuclear disaster, making earthquake predictions a serious matter of public concern rather than entertainment.
K-pop Idol Responsibility
In the world of K-pop, every comment of an idol is scrutinised. Whether it's good or bad, netizens react to it pretty well. This incident highlights the intense scrutiny K-pop idols face and the importance of cultural sensitivity when performing internationally.
Current Status and Ongoing Activities
Taemin's Upcoming Tour
Despite the controversy, Taemin continues his scheduled activities in Japan. He is set to embark on the "2025 Taemin Arena Tour" starting in September, which will span 5 Japanese cities including Kanagawa, Saga, Shizuoka, Chiba, and Hyogo, with a total of 11 performances.
Learning from the Incident
This controversy serves as a reminder of the importance of cultural sensitivity and thoughtful communication, especially when discussing sensitive topics like natural disasters in international contexts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What exactly did Taemin say that caused controversy?
A: Taemin joked about how "cool" it would look if an earthquake shook the stage during his performance, making light of Japan's earthquake fears and the viral prophecy prediction.
Q: Why was his apology necessary?
A: His comments were seen as insensitive to Japan's earthquake trauma and the genuine fears of Japanese citizens regarding natural disasters.
Q: How quickly did he respond to the backlash?
A: Taemin issued his apology within 24 hours of the controversy erupting, showing awareness of the situation's seriousness.
Q: Will this affect his upcoming Japan tour?
A: As of now, his "2025 Taemin Arena Tour" scheduled for September remains unchanged, suggesting the controversy hasn't impacted his professional commitments.
Q: What was the "July 2025" earthquake prediction about?
A: It was based on a 1999 manga prophecy that predicted a major disaster would occur in Japan on July 5, 2025, which gained attention due to the author's alleged previous accurate predictions.
Conclusion and Lessons Learned
The Taemin earthquake controversy highlights the critical importance of cultural sensitivity and thoughtful communication, especially for international celebrities. While Taemin's intention may have been to reassure fans, his execution demonstrated a lack of awareness regarding Japan's traumatic relationship with natural disasters.
His prompt apology and acknowledgment of wrongdoing showed maturity and responsibility, though the incident serves as a valuable lesson about the weight of words in the digital age. As K-pop continues to expand globally, artists must navigate cultural differences with greater care and understanding.
This situation ultimately reinforces the need for celebrities to consider the broader implications of their statements, particularly when discussing sensitive topics that affect millions of people's lives and well-being.
Related Tags
#SHINee #Taemin #JapanEarthquake #KpopControversy #CulturalSensitivity #ApologyStatement #NaturalDisasters #JapanTour #SocialMediaBacklash #MangaProphecy
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