On October 10, American singer Oliver Tree posted an apology on his personal Instagram in response to K-Pop fans demanding an apology from him for using late Jonghyun's funeral photo for his promotions. He wrote, "In regards to the Jonghyun photo, I want to apologize to him and everyone who was hurt by the image that was posted on my accounts years ago. I had no intention of hurting anyone."

This all started three years ago when the singer photoshopped his face to replace Jonghyun's photo on a bed of flowers for the idol's funeral. At that time, Oliver Tree received much backlash from Jonghyun's fans and K-Pop fans leading him to delete the photo right away. However, the American singer did not issue an apology. 

Three years after, K-Pop fans from all around the globe took to social media to demand a proper apology. Many fans shared the photo in question and criticized Oliver Tree for being insensitive. With the controversy resurfacing and heightening, the American singer issued an apology on his personal Instagram.

This incident widely spread in Korean online communities as well and angered the Korean netizens deeply. Although Oliver Tree issued an apology, many Korean netizens could not hold back their anger. One Korean netizen shared the issue in one popular online community and explained that the singer used Jonghyun's funeral photo but apologized. Nevertheless, other Korean netizens commented, "What did I just see," " This is so messed up," "I'm going to cry," "He posted an apology but he posted it on his Instagram story so no one knows since that disappears after 24 hours," "I hope you get repaid what you just did," "Jonghyun..." "I think he can be sued for using a deceased person's photo like that," "He's trashy," "I feel like crying," "He's a crazy b***" "This is so crazy," "I'm going to boycott this person," "Never listening to his songs," and "Does he not think?"