Kholidah
The 20-year-old Japanese-German performer, who serves as the "maknae" (youngest member) of the nine-member ensemble managed by HYBE Labels Japan, was photographed in a casual, street-style outfit. In one specific high-resolution image captured by a fansite, the waistband of his boxers was clearly exposed, displaying the phrase "Suck My Dick" in bold lettering. The photograph immediately went viral, amassing over 2.4 million views on X (formerly Twitter) within hours of its upload, triggering a wave of reactions ranging from shock and amusement to stern criticism regarding the group’s styling and management oversight.
Detailed Chronology of the Incident
The sequence of events began on the morning of May 2, 2026, when &TEAM arrived at the MBC studios for the filming of Music Core. To engage with their dedicated fanbase, known as LUNÉ, the group held a "mini fan meeting" in a designated outdoor area near the studio. These events are standard in the K-pop and J-pop industries, allowing idols to interact closely with supporters through brief speeches, photo opportunities, and fan interactions.
By approximately 11:30 AM KST, fansites—specialized photographers who follow specific idols—began uploading previews and high-definition images of the event to social media. At 11:33 AM KST, the first major reports of the wardrobe detail began to circulate. By early afternoon, the specific image showcasing the explicit text on Maki’s underwear had reached trending status in multiple regions, including South Korea, Japan, and the United States.
As the day progressed, the discourse shifted from the initial shock of the image to a broader debate regarding the responsibility of the styling team. By 5:00 PM KST, international news outlets and K-pop fan forums were saturated with discussions about whether the wardrobe choice was an intentional "edgy" fashion statement or a significant lapse in professional judgment by the HYBE Labels Japan staff.
The Profile of Maki and &TEAM’s Global Ascent
Maki, born in 2006, has been a standout member of &TEAM since the group’s formation. His multicultural background and fluency in multiple languages, including English, German, and Japanese, have made him a vital asset for the group’s international expansion. This linguistic proficiency added a layer of complexity to the controversy, as fans noted that Maki would likely have been aware of the meaning of the English phrase on his clothing, unlike some idols who have historically worn clothing with offensive English text without understanding the context.
&TEAM itself is a cornerstone of HYBE’s "global localization" strategy. The group was formed through the reality survival show &Audition: The Howling and officially debuted in December 2022. Since their inception, they have maintained a trajectory of rapid growth. Their Korean debut, which occurred in October 2025 with the release of Back to Life, was a commercial landmark, selling over one million copies on the first day of release. This achievement solidified their status as a "million-seller" group and heightened the scrutiny surrounding their public image.
Supporting Data and Social Media Sentiment Analysis
The impact of the photo was quantifiable through social media engagement metrics. Data pulled from X and various fan community platforms indicated a sharp spike in mentions of "&TEAM" and "Maki" shortly after the photo was posted.
- Reach: The original post containing the image garnered 2.4 million views in under five hours, with over 50,000 retweets and bookmarks.
- Sentiment: Analysis of the comments suggested a divided audience. Approximately 45% of the reactions were categorized as "humorous" or "amused," with fans making light of the "rebellious" nature of the youngest member. However, 35% expressed "shock" or "disbelief," particularly focusing on the appropriateness of the message for a public fan event. The remaining 20% directed their frustration toward HYBE’s styling department, citing a "lack of professionalism."
- Demographics: The conversation was most prevalent among English-speaking and Japanese-speaking users, reflecting &TEAM’s primary market strongholds.
A History of Wardrobe Controversies in the Idol Industry
The incident involving Maki is not an isolated case within the idol industry, where "streetwear" aesthetics often intersect with provocative language. Historically, several K-pop groups have faced backlash for wearing clothing with inappropriate English slang, religious symbols, or politically sensitive imagery.
In previous years, groups such as STAYC, NCT, and PWA have faced similar scrutiny when stylists provided them with outfits featuring explicit language or controversial graphics. In most of these instances, the defense offered by agencies is that the idols themselves do not choose their wardrobes for official schedules; instead, professional stylists curate looks based on current fashion trends. The "sagging" trend, where underwear is intentionally shown above the waistband of trousers, has been a staple of hip-hop and streetwear fashion for decades, but the specific choice of text in this instance has been deemed a breach of the "clean" image typically maintained by HYBE artists.
The Role of Stylists and Corporate Oversight at HYBE Labels
The controversy has raised serious questions about the internal vetting processes at HYBE Labels Japan. As one of the largest entertainment conglomerates in the world, HYBE is expected to maintain rigorous standards for the public presentation of its artists.
Industry analysts suggest that the styling of an idol is a multi-step process involving a head stylist, assistant stylists, and often a final approval from a creative director or manager. The fact that an explicit message went unnoticed—or was intentionally permitted—during a high-visibility fan meeting suggests a potential breakdown in communication or a shift in the label’s branding strategy toward a more "provocative" or "unfiltered" identity.
While HYBE Labels Japan has not issued a formal apology or statement as of the time of reporting, the internal repercussions are likely to involve a review of wardrobe protocols. In the past, such incidents have led to the blurring of images in official video content and the issuance of apologies from the styling teams involved.
Broader Impact and Implications for Brand Identity
For &TEAM, an incident of this nature can have a dual effect. On one hand, it reinforces a "cool" and "rebellious" image that may appeal to a specific demographic of global fans who value authenticity and edge over the traditional, highly polished idol persona. On the other hand, it risks alienating more conservative domestic markets and corporate sponsors who prioritize a wholesome public image.
The financial implications of such controversies are often minimal in the short term, as evidenced by the continued success of other groups who have navigated similar "scandals." However, it may impact future brand endorsement deals, particularly with luxury or family-oriented labels that have strict "morality clauses" in their contracts.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
The "underwear photo" controversy involving &TEAM’s Maki serves as a modern case study in the power of social media to amplify a single moment into a global discussion. As idols continue to bridge the gap between regional markets and global superstardom, the scrutiny on their attire and public conduct is only expected to intensify.
Moving forward, the industry may see a move toward more stringent "language audits" for clothing, especially as the number of English-speaking idols continues to grow. For Maki and &TEAM, the incident remains a viral footnote in a career that is otherwise defined by record-breaking sales and international acclaim. Whether this marks a permanent shift in the group’s styling direction or was a singular oversight remains to be seen as they continue their promotional activities for the remainder of the year.
