AKMU's LEE SUHYUN clarifies dessert review following Hanjeongseon controversy

During a YouTube video released on the 24th, AKMU's LEE SUHYUN clarified that her previous comments regarding Hanjeongseon desserts were not intended as criticism, explaining she simply did not find the taste uniquely different enough to justify waiting in line for three hours.

LEE SUHYUN of the group AKMU has stepped forward to clarify her honest tasting review of the famous dessert brand Hanjeongseon after it sparked controversy. Expressing her frustration, she stated she had no intention of criticizing the products themselves and repeatedly emphasized that they "were delicious." The situation arose when her personal impressions, shared candidly, were highlighted through provocative expressions, unexpectedly placing her at the center of a controversy.

On the 24th, a video titled "Princess who ate Hanjeongseon being raided for running (with AKMU Suhyun)" was released on the YouTube channel Meong Coach. In the video, LEE SUHYUN cleared up the misunderstandings while moving with her trainer, mentioning her recent tasting review of the much-discussed Hanjeongseon desserts.

LEE SUHYUN first offered a positive assessment of the products, saying, "Everyone, Hanjeongseon was delicious." She explained, "As fans might know, I don't usually like sweets and I don't particularly like rice cakes, but I was so curious that I tried them." She noted that although it was a type of food she does not typically prefer, she tasted it because she wanted to experience the trending dessert firsthand.

She also provided specific context regarding her previous remarks. "It was delicious when I ate it, but I meant it wasn't an 'extremely new taste,'" LEE SUHYUN said, adding that "the staff members who shared it with me all enjoyed it." She clarified that her assessment was not that the product was bad, but rather that she did not feel a level of uniqueness different from existing desserts that would justify waiting in line for a long time.

In particular, LEE SUHYUN expressed regret that her comments were highlighted in a way that made it seem as though she was disparaging the entire product line. "I was upset because articles came out saying I criticized it when that wasn't the case," she added, saying, "I am sorry to Hanjeongseon." While it was a lighthearted clarification delivered with laughter, it revealed her feelings regarding the situation where her intentions were interpreted differently from her honest impressions.

Previously, LEE SUHYUN had shared footage on her own YouTube channel of herself tasting products from the famous fruit rice cake brand Hanjeongseon after finishing a concert. At that time, she remarked, "It is delicious, but I'm not sure if it's worth waiting in line for three hours," and "It wasn't that special." While she did not deny the taste itself, it was an honest evaluation that she did not feel a level of differentiation significant enough to endure long wait times. However, as those remarks gained attention online and were interpreted as "criticism," LEE SUHYUN found herself in a position where she had to clarify directly.

This controversy demonstrates how easily evaluations of famous brands can be polarized into praise or criticism. While consumer tastes and expectations inevitably vary, if a short segment of a statement is emphasized, personal impressions can be perceived as a total rejection of a product. LEE SUHYUN expressed her disappointment regarding the lack of uniqueness while premised on the fact that the food was tasty, but the controversy grew as the context of her remarks was not sufficiently conveyed.

AKMU, consisting of siblings Lee Chan-hyuk and LEE SUHYUN, entered the music industry after winning SBS's K-pop Star 2 in 2012. Since then, they have been recognized for their unique musical color and strong digital competitiveness, releasing various hit songs such as "200%", "Give Love", "Last Goodbye", and "DINOSAUR". Recently, they met with fans by successfully concluding their solo concert "Paradise of Rumors" at the KSPO DOME in Olympic Park, Seoul.

LEE SUHYUN also drew attention in the past for sharing that she had overcome depression and panic disorder and lost 30kg through exercise. As a figure who receives public interest not only for her music but also for her daily life and honest thoughts, attention is focused on whether she can settle the dessert criticism controversy with this clarification. Given that a positive evaluation of taste and a lack of perceived uniqueness can coexist, this controversy leaves food for thought regarding not just the statement itself, but how it is received.

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