Popular K-Pop Idol Apologizes For “Disappointing” Actions, Backlash Follows  

KickFlip member Donghwa was recently criticized for his actions.

In a video shared by a netizen, Donghwa was spotted riding a scooter/motorbike in the streets. He and the passenger, believed to be his group mate Juwang, were also seen in the video walking on a sidewalk in the same outfits.

아크라포빅 – #들어보세요 pic.twitter.com/8suCtmazXh

— 감마리 (@mari9im) September 19, 2026

The video quickly went viral, with some sharing negative thoughts about Donghwa’s night time ride, seemingly based in concern for his safety ahead of the group’s comeback. Other fans pushed back, saying that the idol riding a scooter, with a helmet and following road rules was not something to criticize.

why are you guys so pissed with donghwa and juwang? they literally driving with a helmet on and not over speeding! weflips are so fcking sensitive get some life touch some grass it’s not that deep ffs

— ًpercy (@MlNJES) September 20, 2026

i woke up to a mess omg… donghwa get behind me ! like he’s literally an adult, legal, licensed to ride a motorcycle… what the f do mfs care about this 💀 there are better things to worry about plsss 😭😭😭😭

— yu 🧩 (@14h09a00n) September 20, 2026

don’t ask why donghwa isn’t the same when you all want him to be mature, but go and then baby him for other stuff…. he’s more than capable of being aboy who know right from wrong to risk and safety….. i hope yall are proud of yourself…..

don’t ask why idol are never authentic…

— eric ୨୧ (@ericckyy) September 20, 2026

On the group’s fan chatting platform, Donghwa shared a series of messages, including that he previously got his license to operate the vehicle, that culminated in him apologizing and promising not to ride a scooter again.

I want to properly apologize to WeFlip, so I wanted to talk about this again.

I think I took the situation too lightly yesterday. After taking some time and reading through what WeFlip had to say, I’ve been thinking a lot. I’m sorry that I didn’t think things through more carefully from the beginning and talk about it properly.

I also realized that WeFlip was much more worried about me riding a scooter than I had thought. I understand that fully now. From now on, I won’t ride scooters anymore. I promise.

I’m especially sorry for worrying and disappointing you by acting thoughtlessly at such an important time, with the comeback coming up. Since I know WeFlip is looking forward to and supporting this comeback, I’ll also work as hard as I can during the remaining time to prepare and show you my best side.

— Donghwa

Netizens and fans reacted with surprise and anger over the idol’s apology, feeling that he did not need to do so.

근데 진짜 이게 이렇게까지 할 일인가 싶음
미자도 무면허도 음주운전도 아닌데 상황이 이정도로 험악해질 게 뭐가 있지? 물론 스쿠터가 자동차에 비해 위험해서 걱정되고 속상한 건 알겠는데 안전장비 없이 타다가 사고 나도 지 책임인데 조심해라 위험하니까 타지 마라 정도로 끝내면 되지

— 🧎🏻‍♀️‍➡️… (@ngmikz) September 20, 2026

But seriously, I’m wondering if this really needed to be taken this far. It’s not like he’s a minor, riding without a license, or driving under the influence, so what is there that warrants the situation becoming this hostile? Of course, I understand being worried and upset because scooters are more dangerous than cars, but even if he gets into an accident while riding without safety gear, that’s ultimately his responsibility. They could’ve just left it at ‘Be careful, it’s dangerous, so don’t ride it.

— OP

Are you guys happy now? Did ur guys’ fragile egos finally get what they wanted?

Donghwa is apologising for bullshit you lot put him in; he is 20 years old. He’s a GROWN MAN

He KNOWS HOW TO FUCKING DRIVE U FUCKING DUMBASSES 😭😭😭

— 🍊🧩 (@tangerwwwrine) September 20, 2026

ugh this pissed me off so bad why are y’all saying such harsh things to him under the guise of “caring”?? it’s so obvious he saw those nasty posts, you can literally tell donghwa’s points came from that… hang in there donghwa you got this hwaiting! pic.twitter.com/5AXndLj3Kc

— faa 🧩🧱 (@hyeonehwa) September 20, 2026