SHINee Onew’s Recent Comments About N-Word Spark Attention Amid Recent Controversies

Netizens couldn’t stop praising the star.

There has recently been a heated debate about idols using the n-word, especially after recent leaks and clips of idols being caught saying it, including members of BLACKPINK.

Allegedly Leaked Videos Of BLACKPINK Saying The N-Word Surface Online

Recently, SHINee‘s Onew has gained attention for his comments about the n-word amid the recent controversies.

SHINee’s Onew | @dlstmxkakwldrl/Instagram

Onew is on tour in America.

ONEW is real😘
꿈같은 현실을 함께 만들어준 시카고 찡구들 덕분에 행복했습니다🩵#온유 #ONEW#ONEWTHELIVE #ONEW_THE_LIVE_CONNECTION #CONNECTION#온유더라이브 #온유콘서트#ONEWTHELIVE_USA #ONTHELA_USA pic.twitter.com/sBLG1ezjpf

— ONEW (@ONEW_GRIFFIN) May 1, 2025

During the show, netizens praised Onew for his actions. As he wanted the crowds to sing along, he taught them the part, but was aware that the word might sound like the n-word. He mentioned this and asked to make sure it didn’t come across as sounding like the n-word and was relieved, explaining that it appeared a lot in the Korean lyrics but he wanted to ask to make sure.

At that part, in the beginning, that n-word, that part, that’s not intended to sound like that. I wanted to ask that it doesnt come off that way, right? [crowds chanting no] Ah, that’s a relief. Because in the Korean lyrics, this word comes out a lot.

It keeps coming out like I/you (meaning). So, while I am singing, I thought suddenly, ‘Ha, can I do this? That’s why, because it’s not that kind of meaning, so I really wanted to ask you all.

literally NOTHING could’ve prepared me for onew asking about naega and the n-word but i’m also not gonna lie…as a black kpop stan the past month had been so exhausting and the fact that my fave is going out of the way to make sure he’s being respectful rly makes me feel safe pic.twitter.com/LciCoQbB5B

— always be with u ✧ TAEMIN 3x • ONEW 2x (@shykneewrld) May 1, 2025

The clip gained a lot of attention, and netizens praised the idol for his awareness of the issue but also for clarifying the meaning of his song to ensure nobody took offense.

NOT ONEW BEING AFRAID THAT WE ACCIDENTALLY THOUGHT HE SAID THE N WORD WHEN SINGNNG IN KOREAN IM PISSING MYSELF WE LOVE A CULTURALLY AWARE KING #온유 #ONEW#ONEWTHELIVE #ONEW_THE_LIVE_CONNECTION #CONNECTION#온유더라이브 #온유콘서트#ONEWTHELIVE_USA #OnewInChicago #OnewChicago…

— Chelsea is SEEING ONEW&JIN-misses Taem+Hobi+Colde (@moarmywoluv) May 1, 2025

UR IDOLS KNOW WHAT'S PROBLEMATIC I CANT BELIEVE ONEW ASKED US IF NAEGA SOUNDS LIKE THE N WORD BC HE WAS SCARED HE WAS BEING OFFENSIVE I LOVE HIMMMMM

— ari ♡ ₊ ⊹❀ (@kidultjisoo) May 1, 2025

Onew clarifying with the crowd letting everyone know he was NOT saying the English n word but rather “i am” in Korean . Very culturally aware, love that for him. If Onew knows that word then there’s no excuse for these other idols! #ONEWTHELIVE_CHICAGO #ONEWTHELIVE_USA pic.twitter.com/cyY04BN8xm

— 4minute’s pr manager ˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆ (@jiyoonisms) May 1, 2025