Super Junior-D&E cancels performances after ‘derogatory’ song sparks backlash

K-pop duo Super Junior-D&E will not be performing its upcoming song “GGB” on television music shows following claims that the song’s title is derogatory toward women.

The Korean title of “GGB” is jijibae, a slang word for “young girl” that is often used to belittle women. The song is the lead track of the duo’s upcoming fifth EP, “606,” which is set for release on March 26.

The title has drawn backlash from online users since its reveal earlier this week, with many demanding that the duo change it.

“We have come to realize the issues surrounding ‘GGB,’ the lead track of the upcoming album, and decided to cancel all the television music program schedules that had been planned after talking with the artists,” the duo’s agency, Ode Entertainment, said Saturday.

“We only wanted to express an intimate relationship, and in no way did we intend to use the word in any negative light. However, we regret having failed to foresee that there would be different opinions regarding the trend of the times.”

Other events will take place as planned, the agency added.

Super Junior-D&E is a subunit of boy band Super Junior consisting of members Donghae and Eunhyuk. Its last music release was its first full-length album, “Countdown,” which dropped in November 2021.

Donghae and Eunhyuk made their debut as Super Junior-D&E with their digital single “Oppa, Oppa” in December 2011. The duo has since released four EPs including “’Bout You” (2018) and “Danger” (2019) as well as full-length Japanese albums “Ride Me” (2014) and “Style” (2018).

Find out more about Super Junior-D&E at Celeb Confirmed 

BY YOON SO-YEON [yoon.soyeon@joongang.co.kr]