Singer Han Roro responds to Cortis lyric controversy: 'I hope no one feels deeply hurt'

Singer Han Roro has responded directly to the controversy surrounding lyrics in a new song by boy group Cortis.

On Monday, Han Roro (real name Han Ji-su) wrote on a fan community platform that she had "safely received the song and message carrying the precious feelings of the Cortis members, thanks to the many people who reached out to this old-timer."

Addressing the disputed lyrics, she said she was "taking the mention in this new song in a positive light," adding, "What could be more meaningful than musicians communicating through music and filling each other's hearts?" She also said she hoped the reference — "0+0" appearing in the lyrics of "Moneymoneymoney" — would serve as "a way to long remember this moment of mutual respect."

She added that she was "timidly leaving this long post here, hoping that no one feels deeply hurt over this."

The controversy stems from a rap verse in Cortis's newly released track "Moneymoneymoney," which includes the lines: "I want to be like Pororo, playing and making money / Adding 0 to 0 in my bank account, just like Han Roro / They say you get dumber, everyone slurping away."

After the track dropped, online commenters criticized the group, saying it showed "no respect for music" and questioned whether the lyrics were "mocking her name and song title." Others defended the group, arguing it was "simply rhyming, a common practice in the hip-hop scene."

Cortis member Geon-ho also posted on the same platform that day, writing, "Shout out to sunbae Han Roro."

He said he had "spread out her lyrics really deeply and listened to her songs a lot in the car with friends, because I wanted to write good lyrics too," adding, "I gave sunbae a shoutout in this track because I personally wanted to show my respect one more time. I hope this post reaches her."