SHINee’s Taemin apologizes after insensitive earthquake comments on livestream
SHINee’s Taemin is facing backlash after remarks about a predicted earthquake in Japan during a livestream. On July 6, 2025, Taemin posted a public apology on Instagram Story.
“I apologize for carelessly commenting on the earthquake. I only wanted to reassure fans who were worried. I reflect on the fact that I spoke lightly without fully considering the situation of local residents or the severity of natural disasters. I was also very concerned, and I’m relieved that nothing serious happened. From now on, I’ll be more careful with my words and actions.”
— Taemin
He also shared the apology in Japanese.
The controversy began July 5 during a live stream while Taemin and fellow SHINee member Minho were in Japan for Show! Music Core in JAPAN at Belluna Dome. Japan was under a prediction for an earthquake that weekend.
Taemin commented, “That prediction — everything is still safe so there’s no need to worry too much.” When Minho pressed him, Taemin joked about imagining the earthquake shaking the stage during his performance.
“As someone with a very imaginative personality, I thought, ‘What if the ground shakes while I’m singing?’ I imagined it. Would it look cool if the stage shook just as the performance peaked? With the fireworks and flames—it was like thinking in 3D.”
— Taemin
Taemin added he mentioned the prediction to help fans dispel fear. Some critics called the comments insensitive given Japan’s vulnerability to natural disasters. The prediction originated from manga artist Ryo Tatsuki, who published The Future I Saw in 1999, claiming a major disaster would strike on July 5, 2025. Tatsuki’s work gained renewed attention for seemingly predicting the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic.
Japanese fans have expressed anxiety over the prediction, prompting extra caution. Taemin’s remarks come under scrutiny as Japan takes earthquakes seriously due to their frequency and impact.
As the situation unfolds, Taemin is monitoring the backlash and has pledged to be more careful going forward.
