K-pop star Kim Hee-Chul of Super Junior has sparked controversy due to his 'offensive' reaction to NingNing from aespa's statement regarding physical attractiveness in potential partners.

On a recent broadcast of JTBC's variety show "Knowing Bros," hosts quizzed NingNing, along with her bandmates Karina and Winter, about their views on the importance of physical looks in a man compared to personality traits.

NingNing, a 20-year-old singer from China, asserted that a man's appearance didn't influence her choice of partner, prompting the hosts to react in surprise.

Following NingNing's statement, Hee-Chul gestured towards his co-host, comedian Kim Young-Chul, hinting at NingNing's opinion about him. He humorously characterized the comedian as the "nicest and kind" member of their team, suggesting that Young-Chul might be lacking in the looks department.

However, NingNing responded professionally, simply stating, "So what?" Her comment elicited laughter from her aespa colleagues and the show's hosts, with one host noting that NingNing appeared to have her "own standards" when it came to men.

While the exchange was portrayed as light-hearted banter on the program, it sparked discontent amongst many online spectators. Hee-Chul was criticized for his 'disrespectful' behavior towards NingNing and Young-Chul, with some deploring his suggestion for NingNing to assess the comedian, who was significantly older than her.

One social media user denounced Hee-Chul's constant comments about Young-Chul, calling it "rude." Another person expressed their aversion to young people participating in shows dominated by older men, noting, "It's a joke, but it's disgusting."

One user highlighted the significant age gap between Hee-Chul and the aespa members, likening him to an uncle figure. Another pointed out the rudeness of Hee-Chul's question itself to Young-Chul, while another emphasized that his question was disrespectful to both NingNing and Young-Chul.

Various users called for a change in the show's hosts, suggesting that it should be more in sync with the changing times.

Hee-Chul has previously been in the spotlight for his insensitive remarks. Earlier this year, he faced criticism for defending a former bandmate involved in a DUI incident and for his crude language during a live stream about school violence.

Hee-Chul also confessed to faking illness to evade an overseas schedule with Super Junior, in collusion with his long-standing agency, SM Entertainment.

Following the backlash, Hee-Chul extended an apology on Instagram, stating that he was sorry for his inappropriate language and double standards. He apologized to fans who were hurt by his controversy and vowed to avoid any contentious situations in the future.

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