Embroiled in a controversy over a picture her 4minute groupmate uploaded which showed Gayoon throwing up the middle finger, Gayoon apologized through 4minute's official fancafe on January 16th. She wrote:

"I'd like to deeply apologize for causing our 4nias and others to worry.  Jiyoon and I are so close that I did the act as a joke and without thought. I never meant for it to be disrespectful. I always hope to show a respectful side to myself, but I feel that I wasn't cautious enough with each of my actions. I will make sure to listen to all of the severe criticisms against me, and prevent something like this from happening again in the future. Once again, I would like to genuinely apologize."