Popular Idol Responds To Accusations Of Lying About Racial Mistreatment

A passenger called her out.

Earlier, SISTAR’s Soyou drew attention after claiming she experienced racial discrimination aboard a Delta Air Lines flight from Atlanta to Seoul following her New York schedule.

In an Instagram Story, Soyou explained that she had simply asked for a Korean-speaking flight attendant to confirm the meal time, but was treated as a “problematic passenger” and even faced involvement from security. The idol said she felt humiliated, endured cold treatment from the crew for the rest of the 15-hour flight, and suspected racial bias was at play.

However, controversy arose when another alleged passenger shared a conflicting account online, claiming Soyou had been intoxicated and loud before boarding and that no security personnel were called. The commenter suggested that the incident had been exaggerated and said they felt “embarrassed as a fellow Korean.”

Another K-Pop Idol Accuses Delta Air Lines of “Racist” Treatment—Alleged Witness Tells A Different Story

In response to the heat, Soyou has made a separate statement.

She denies being drunk and explained that her english was misunderstood. Later, she experienced discomfort with the purser on board.

“After finishing my schedule in New York and returning to Korea, certain incidents that occurred during the flight were reported in the media. I would like to clarify my position once again. Before boarding, I only had a small amount of alcohol that was served with the meal at the lounge. There were no restrictions or issues during the boarding process, and I boarded the plane without any problems.

As I always do, I checked the in-flight meal schedule after boarding to manage my sleep and condition. After organizing my luggage, I asked a flight attendant about the meal time, but as my English is not fluent enough for perfect communication, I found it difficult to continue the conversation.”

Since it was a flight bound for Korea, I assumed there would be a Korean-speaking crew member, so I asked for one. During this process, my English sentence seemed to have been misunderstood, and as a result, the purser and a security officer came over. A Korean-speaking flight attendant then arrived and helped translate, confirming that there was no problem at all. I remained on the plane and entered Korea as planned. Although the situation may have started from a misunderstanding, what followed made me feel humiliated.

While I was moving from my seat to the restroom, I encountered a flight attendant conducting cart service. The attendant asked me to step aside so the cart could pass, and I did as requested. However, the purser suddenly ordered me to “get out of here immediately” in a harsh tone. The flight attendant who had asked me to wait explained that I was only standing there because of her request, but no apology was made.

In addition, when a staff member traveling with me asked for a Korean menu, another foreign-language menu was handed over without explanation. Such uncomfortable moments kept occurring throughout the flight. Although the Korean-speaking crew member who had helped me repeatedly apologized, I still feel bewildered and disappointed by the cold stares and attitudes that continued for the entire flight. I did not raise objections on the spot, but I did not write my post to seek compensation or to expose anyone. I shared my experience on social media because I sincerely hope that no one else will ever have to go through something like this again, and I also wish that no false information will be exaggerated or spread. Lastly, I would like to apologize to any passengers who may have been inconvenienced by what happened on board.”

With her apology, hopefully the matter will be put to rest.