Entertainment · K-Culture & Anime · 15 hrs ago
POP HOPPER apologizes after Halloween post draws criticism
POP HOPPER member Yugo Hino posted a costume photo on X on October 31, dressed to resemble former timelesz member Shuto Inomata after his release from detention.
Inomata had been arrested in September on suspicion of injuring a woman he knew, and prosecutors decided not to indict him on October 21.
The photo drew criticism online and was deleted, while the group’s official TikTok added a comment about an “idol comeback.”
POP HOPPER’s agency apologized on November 1, saying the post was meant to fit the Halloween theme but had lacked consideration.
Some people criticized that explanation, saying its wording seemed to soften responsibility.
The group canceled a November 3 release event and withdrew from a November 7–8 show, citing unspecified circumstances; ticket refunds were announced for the latter.
The controversy comes as POP HOPPER prepares its first single, scheduled for release on December 15.
POP HOPPER’s agency apologized after member Yugo Hino posted a Halloween costume resembling former timelesz member Shuto Inomata after his release from detention.
Hino’s October 31 photo, tagged “地味ハロウィン” (“Low-Key Halloween”), drew criticism and was deleted.
The agency said the post was intended to fit the theme but lacked consideration, and promised to review future posts more carefully.
On November 2, the group announced the cancellation of one event and that it would not appear at another.
- Who
- POP HOPPER member Yugo Hino and the group’s agency, VANCIA ENTERTAINMENT. The post referred to former timelesz member Shuto Inomata.
- What
- Hino posted a Halloween costume resembling Inomata after his release from detention. The post drew criticism, and the agency apologized.
- When
- Hino posted the photo on October 31, 2026. The agency apologized on November 1.
- Where
- Hino posted the photo on X. The group’s planned events included venues in Ebina and Kabukicho, Tokyo.
- Why
- The agency said the post was intended to fit the Low-Key Halloween theme but lacked consideration. Critics objected to making light of Inomata’s case.
Critics of the post
VANCIA ENTERTAINMENT
Post’s meaning
Critics of the post
Critics objected to the costume as making light of Inomata’s case.
VANCIA ENTERTAINMENT
The agency said the post was intended as an expression in keeping with the event’s theme.
Agency apology
Critics of the post
Some critics questioned the apology’s wording, including its reference to “some people” being offended.
VANCIA ENTERTAINMENT
The agency apologized for causing offense, said the post lacked consideration and promised more careful review of future posts.
Shuto Inomata was arrested on suspicion of injuring an acquaintance.
STARTO ENTERTAINMENT ended its exclusive contract with Inomata.
Inomata was cleared without indictment.
Hino posted the Halloween costume photo on X; it was later deleted after criticism.
VANCIA ENTERTAINMENT posted an apology on POP HOPPER’s official X account.
POP HOPPER announced the cancellation of a planned release event and its withdrawal from another event.
- Group
- POP HOPPER, a five-member idol group
- Member
- Yugo Hino
- Post date
- October 31, 2026
- Apology date
- November 1, 2026
- Cancelled event
- November 3 release event at Vina Walk Ebina
- Withdrawn appearance
- November 7 and 8, rock field ULTRA LIVE 2026 KABUKICHO
3 sources
What people are saying
We sincerely apologize for causing some people discomfort with a social media post by a talent affiliated with our company concerning Low-Key Halloween.
This post was shared as an expression in keeping with the purpose of the project, but as a result, it lacked consideration and caused discomfort to those involved and to people who saw the post.
We will take this matter seriously and review the content and expression of future posts with even greater care, making every effort to ensure that the same thing does not happen again.
Posts on X
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