Fourth-Gen Male K-Pop Idol Accused Of Saying N-Word — Triggers Heated Debate

TREASURE‘s Hyunsuk has been accused of saying the n-word in a new video, but it has triggered a heated debate among netizens.

TREASURE recently released a new video for TREASURE MAP.

After the video was posted, a netizen shared a video seemingly accusing Hyunsuk of saying the n-word twice.

😂😂😂😂 #treasureis9 pic.twitter.com/pKtQXxdzi9

— ِ (@PJWROIT) June 17, 2026

The video sparked a wave of backlash towards Hyunsuk, who has been embroiled in controversy before.

watch now they’re gunna start saying that nigga is a term of endearment in korea

— NI-KI🎧 (@enfliix) June 17, 2026

hyunsuk i genuinely hate you with my whole heart. i can’t stand a single thing your racist ass does, the members are tired of you, everyone wants you out of the group, just leave already

— (⋆._.)⊃ミ☆ (@rukiahwan) June 17, 2026

It’s the fact that he said it twice too.. just get him out of the group #treasureis9 #hyunsukout pic.twitter.com/cRUqe5EdVl

— n.🤍 (@asahiprvt) June 17, 2026

TF DID HE JUST SAY? Nugu privilege is insane, because if this was any girl idol she’d be done for by now

— BLACKMAMBA (@THEOGBLACKMAMBA) June 18, 2026

Yet, it once again sparked a debate as netizens defended Hyunsuk, explaining that rather than the n-word, it was the idol using the Korean word naega , which is a way of saying “I” or “me.”

u r so desperate to paint him villain he said ‘에이 에이, 내가 밥인데 내가’ (Ay ay, naega bap-inde naega?) “I’m the rice/food? Me?!” or “I’m an easy target here? Me?” (In Korean gaming slang, calling someone bap or “rice” means they are easy to beat)

Go sht in toilet not here! pic.twitter.com/agwL5Dakc5

— 𐙚 (@btrsr_) June 17, 2026

This post and qrts are what “racism” means cos they dont tolerate other languages other than theirs 🤣🤣🤣 hey koreans you cant use “I” now I guess!!! Because stupid ot9s say so

— Feju 🍒 (@cocodae__) June 17, 2026

I’ll really pray God puts some brain in these people, cause its not funny anymore. Stop framing Hyunsuk over nothing? Leave him alone? Since you dont like him, get out of the fandom? Stupid wierdos.

— 💫zια💙| NEW WAV 〰️ (@blue_jihooneade) June 17, 2026