A controversy arose regarding Kep1er member Chaehyun’s ballet outfit, and she has since addressed the issue herself.
On May 2, a video titled ‘Princesses taking steps | ˚✧₊⁎Kep1er Ballet Class⁎⁺˳✧༚’ was uploaded to Kep1er’s official YouTube channel. In the video, Chaehyun, Yujin, and Xiaoting are seen attending a ballet class in coordinated ballet outfits.
However, Chaehyun’s outfit drew criticism from some fans. Unlike the other members, her costume featured a deeper neckline around the chest area, raising concerns that it could lead to unintended exposure during movement.
As online reactions escalated, with some users directing criticism at the staff—commenting things like “Who is the stylist?” and “Who would dress them like that?”—Chaehyun stepped in to clarify through a fan communication platform.
She stated, “That outfit was my own choice. The other options they offered me were all too dull,” adding, “When I think of ballet, I think of pink, so I wanted to wear something pretty.”
Chaehyun continued, “I was happy thinking others would like it because of the pretty outfit, so this reaction was completely unexpected. That’s why I can’t even share the photos…”
On the chat platform, a fan wrote to her, “I just find it difficult to accept the fact that the person I care about will be consumed by people with strange preferences…” To this, she responded, “Yes, of course, I understand.”
Ending on a more gentle note, Chaehyun added, “But still… I want to wear something pretty. I’ll coordinate better in the future. Please don’t be too upset.”
On online forums, netizens discussed the issue, leaving a wide range of divided comments such as:
“She is really pretty, though.”
“It’s unfortunate she can’t wear pretty clothes because of creeps.”
“Why are people making such a fuss over that?”
“She has breasts, what do you expect.”
“I understand fans’ feelings. Even seeing the clips posted here is worrying because we know some people will consume it in a gross way.”
“I get why girl group fans are worried, but she still chose it because she wanted something pretty, so I don’t think there’s anyone to blame lol. Chaehyun seems like a kind person for stepping in to clarify, but the real issue is the people harassing her.”
“So they’re complaining because some people might interpret it weirdly? It’s not like she’s wearing a bikini on the street—it’s a ballet outfit for ballet.”
“Who is she? I hope she appears at Waterbomb.”
“But if I were a concerned fan, I don’t think I would have liked the outfitㅠ”
“Aren’t the people sexually harassing her the real problem? What did the idol do wrong?”
“She’s pretty, but it’s somewhat unavoidable.”
“It does draw attention to the chest area, but she’s really pretty. I understand why she wore it—it suits her well overall. But I also understand why fans are upset.”
“She can also choose to highlight her figure… why get angry and make things awkward ㅠㅋㅋ”
“Real leotards aren’t usually that revealing, but with a larger chest it can stretch like that. I relate—it’s not just other people’s issue.”
“Usually you’d wear an inner layer under a V-neck like that… the stylist wasn’t very thoughtful.”
“The outfit may be divisive, but it’s good she stepped in to clarify while staff were being unfairly criticized. It’s not a big issue—she said she’ll be more careful, so that should be enough.”
“If I were a fan, I think I’d really hate it.”
“So what if there’s exposure?”
“That’s just what ballet outfits are like—what are they supposed to do about it? Ballet outfits are originally worn without underwearㅠㅠ”
“It is kind of a revealing outfit, right..? If my bias wore it I’d hate it. I hope the clips are taken down; male-dominated communities will definitely spread it.”
“It’s a well-known ballet brand outfit and a normal costume—why are people attacking her? Stop bashing girl idols.”
“Professional ballet dancers usually don’t have that body shape, so it wouldn’t look like that even if they wore it. It’s probably just a normal ballet outfit.”
“Is it necessary for a ballet outfit to be cut that low?”
“It’s surprising she didn’t expect fans to dislike it.”
“Stop using the members’ opinions as an excuse to sexually harass them.”
“She’s really pretty and it suits her wellㅠㅠ But it’s also good that she acknowledges fans’ concerns.”
“I see three members wore it, but two of them don’t have any exposure. People just can’t accept personal aesthetic choices.”
“The YouTube comments were honestly full of sexual harassment—I couldn’t even repost them… I wonder if they’ve been cleaned up by now.”
“She would’ve known during fitting too, so why blame the stylist for how it turned out?”
“With that much exposure, would she really not have known? It was her own choice anyway—usually that level is the idol’s own pick.”
“It’s not like idol cleavage exposure is something new—Waterbomb idols get praised all the time, so why is she getting hate for a ballet outfit she personally chose?”
