Recently, SEVENTEEN member Mingyu sparked widespread controversy after sharing a series of photos on his Instagram account from his tour in the United States, where he appears inside a shooting range with pictures of pistols and bullets, causing a wave of sharp criticism.
On social media platforms, some criticized Mingyu’s actions and described him as insensitive given the alarming situation regarding gun violence in the United States, while others felt the criticism was overblown.
However, despite the original post being deleted from X, SEVENTEEN fans made sure to respond to the allegations and hate directed at Mingyu. They specifically pointed out that Mingyu was not promoting anything, but was sharing his experience at a shooting range in the U.S. during the group’s tour.
On X, an internet user shared the controversial photos of Mingyu with the comment:
- “This is actually so weird, he isn’t even playing,” which sparked mixed reactions. Read the comments:
- “Very strange, South Korea has strict gun control laws, and he posts this in the United States, where gun violence is a public health crisis, and mass shootings in schools have increased in recent years. Deaf and insensitive.”
- “One of the members posted music from an Israeli singer not once but twice, and suddenly the K-pop community is blind.”
- “This is so performative, there’s no way to actually get upset about this It’s a shooting range, and he took pictures, why are you acting as if he shot someone?”
- “He’s literally in an organized area where he can shoot, are you stupid?”
- “I know ARMY loves spreading misinformation just like they claimed their bias got the ‘drage’ from Lil Uzi but it turns out he had it for months.”
- “This is what I’m saying too… attending a breast cancer awareness event… without bothering to research the issue, or at least wear a pink ribbon to show concern or awareness for such a serious issue! Then!! On top of that, drinking… very weird and insensitive “
- “Am I not woke enough? Replies acting like he shot up schools with these bullets.”
- “As a long-time Mingyu supporter, I’m extremely disappointed to see him promoting gun use in the United States, considering the amount of gun violence we witness here daily. My little cousin was a victim of a shooting, and now my favorite role model is promoting ‘gangs today.’ My heart is truly broken.”
