ITZY’s Ryujin Issues Apology Following Backlash Over Recent Remarks About Yuna

ITZY’s Ryujin is facing backlash after joking about replacing member Yuna on a variety show.

The controversy began during Ryujin and Yeji’s appearance on Minju’s Pink Cabinet with ILLIT’s Minju.

Minju was asked about joining the “JangKaSeolYu” lineup, a nickname for the group of visuals including IVE’s Wonyoung, aespa’s Karina, NMIXX’s Sullyoon, and ITZY’s Yuna.

Minju quickly shut the idea down.

Ryujin then joked that adding Minju’s name might be too long and even suggested maybe Minju should replace Yuna at the end.

Fans found it funny and saw it as a harmless joke.

Soon after, netizens started criticizing Ryujin for allegedly going too far by “replacing” Yuna.

But many defended Ryujin, saying she was just answering a staff question and joking like the others.

“Poor Ryu she got hated but nobody cares
She just answering a question made by staff even other member also joking about it too but the blame is in Ryu right”
— afa (@forryujinofitzy) November 13, 2025

“i just love how a bogus visual line up is more serious to midzys/yuna stans than what they have been saying about ryujin calling her jealous and what not over a joke and im sure y’all are in the likes”
— kay (@bytegin) November 14, 2025

As the situation grew, Ryujin posted an apology on Bubble.

“I might have spoke a little carelessly. I’m sorry to the MIDZY’s whole might have been hurt by what I said. I honestly think Yuna is the prettiest in the world!”
— ITZY BASE (@itzypopbase) November 14, 2025

Fans didn’t understand why Ryujin apologized when it was clearly a joke pushed by the show’s script.

Many pointed out how Minju herself looked uncomfortable with the question.

“Noooo Ryujin, it was their production staff fault.
We know you were trying to make it less awakward for your junior and we know the chaotic sibling teasings you do with yuna ”
— ≷ midzy_swag ≷ || ITZY + Ryeji (@midzy_swag) November 13, 2025

“can’t believe ryujin has to apologise because y’all losers don’t know what a joke is”
— franzi (@shinjinnies) November 13, 2025

Ryujin’s joke spiraled into controversy, but most fans are standing by her, saying it was all in good fun and an unfortunate scripted moment.