Minhyuk has apologized for his recent statements on Bubble.

On various online forums, screenshots of the BTOB member's conversations with fans have surfaced, sparking discussion among netizens about the subtle tensions evident in their exchanges. In these conversations, Minhyuk openly discusses various topics, ranging from his male fans to criticisms of his fans' tone and how the Korean fans react to his English messages.

He also made a comment regarding South Korea's low birthrate, referencing his friends' marriages and urging them to "contribute to the national birthrate."

Minhyuk's messages read as follows:

"I have had the most male fans (male Melodies) since a long time ago. There are male fans who even come to the fansign events. I really respect the male fans who come to the fansigns actually. It's not easy for men to do that in society."

"What's so dangerous about saying these things? When did I ever try to separate men and women? I can't seem to say anything because of a few people who make me feel angry, even though the majority of Melodies are pretty and kind. Oh, who was that just now: 'Look at the way Lee Minhyuk is talking.' Why are you talking like that then?"

"I usually chat in Korean. What are you all whining about? There's even an option to translate. I am asking for a little help because I want to study and improve (my English). International fans always translate and stuff."

"Hap(py) Val(entine's Day) <3 (In shortened unofficial and informal Korean acronym.) Why? Even on Lunar New Year's Day people say 'Hap(py) Lu(nar New Year).' You're being prejudiced. The reason why you think it's strange means you're stuck inside the walls made by the world. Byul-da-jul (acronym meaning, 'Shortening everything for no reason') is already an old saying. Just accept it. It's the flow of the world."

"There are so many weddings. I guess they are all getting married. Friends, contribute to the (low national) birthrate...which is the worry of our nation. Well, I guess they will just do what they have to do..."

"I didn't work out. I just worked out one day this week. I'll start again tomorrow... I didn't do it because I was lazy... 'Don't do it' is a command ^^. Please send your messages with a pretty way of speaking. There's a report function here. There are always some people who send messages that make me feel unpleasant. I don't really care about those people generally, but I am worried about their social life. I just ignore them and wonder why they would use their energy on such bad things, and then move on."

General reactions from netizens across the forums varied, with some criticizing Minhyuk for "saying things he didn't really have to say" and "unnecessarily" raising tensions, while others supported him, considering the conversation topics "not a big deal."

Meanwhile, some commented that his remark about the birthrate could either be interpreted problematically or not, as it was a message intended for his personal friends getting married. At the same time, a handful of netizens commented that the question of gender and biological differences when it comes to pregnancy and birthrates is a sensitive topic for everyone.

Ultimately, Minhyuk apologized to his fans on Bubble for noting his issues regarding the anonymous fans and for causing possible misunderstandings.

Reactions include:

"There are probably just a few people who send really bad messages on Bubble, so I wonder if it was necessary for him to get into a psychological warfare on a platform where all his fans could see it."

"If I were a male fan then I probably wouldn't have the courage to go to the next fansign after seeing this..."

"I think boy group idols need to be thankful toward the fans at least several hundred times lol. They express all of their moods and talk informally like that, but the fans embrace them and try to hush it all up. lol If it were a girl group idol then they probably would have been crushed on community forums"

"Is this really something that deserves that much hate?"

"Please be good to your fans. They will shield you even when you say anything and everything.."

"I do think he was a bit careless with his remarks but he apologized..."

"I don't understand how people are saying he should ignore those few bad messages and criticizing him for being sensitive. He is communicating with a lot of people, and yet it is possible to be sensitive about just one or two comments. It's not good for one's mental health."

"He apologized at least...That takes a lot of courage."

"My bias group's member also left Bubble on a day after being hurt by a bad message... Why are some people mindlessly sending nasty message by using an app that's not even free?"

"I think he was right to apologize. But he's not a rookie anymore, and I think it's important that he knows how to ignore those weird messages without letting his mood take the better of him. He should have used just a bit more respectful language when communicating with his fans. I know it's hard but I think it's more important for him to just ignore the anti fans."

"If he were a 4th-gen idol, he probably wouldn't have survived this lol"

"He just sounds like an average Korean guy to me............"

"Why doesn't he himself also contribute to the birthrate then...?"

"I don't think easily saying that others need to get pregnant in order to contribute to the national birth rate is something that he has the privilege to say."

"It's hard to carry on a realistic conversation without offending others while keeping it cool and funny. It takes a lot of sensibility."

What are your thoughts?