Owen Ovadoz, born Kim Hyun-woo on October 13, 1991, is a South Korean rapper whose career has been marred by a series of public controversies that have overshadowed his musical achievements.
Despite his early promise and affiliation with notable labels like MKIT Rain and UNCUTPOINT, Ovadoz’s actions have frequently drawn ire from fans and industry peers alike.
Quick Facts (source k-hiphop-trash):
- He was born in Seoul but moved to New Jersey.
- He went back to Korea in 2005.
- He is 178cm.
- He likes and plays videogames like World of Warcraft.
- He played basketball.
- He is a Christian.
- He studied English in the University.
- He has a nostril piercing.
- He has several tattoos: Make it, rain and drops on the middle and index finger of his right hand, Fort Lee New Jersey, 201 and praying hands on his neck.
- He participated on SMTM3 and SMTM4.
- He was contacted by Naflla after seeing him on SMTM3.
- He has a duo with pH-1, called Sous Chefs.
- His track City was produced by Groovy Room and the MV includes recordings of fans around the world.
- His track 11 in the morning was produced by Groovy Room and mastered by The Quiett.
- The Quiett helped him producing his firt album, P.O.E.M.
- He has collaborated with artists like Dumbfoundead, Ja Mezz, Paloalto, Okasian and Giriboy.
- Before being a rapper, he wanted to be a vet.
- His brother is a producer.
- He lived n the studio in 2016.
Every once in a while someone gets cancelled and then resurfaces again and gets thrown back into the limelight. Owen Ovadoz is that person, so I wanted to compile everything here for those who might be new to the K-hip-hop scene.
Also why am I bringing up here when this blog is meant to expose foreign influencers based in Korea? Well partly, because I’m trying something new, but mainly because this gossip guru has had her own personal run-ins with messy rapper (if I even end up even sharing the tea…you’ll just have to keep reading to find out!).
2017 Instagram Livestream: Racist and Sexualized Remarks Ignite Outrage
Owen first garnered international infamy in October 2017, when a now-infamous Instagram livestream captured him saying:
“I can’t stand white-skinned b*tches, I want to rape (them).”
The comment immediately provoked backlash from viewers worldwide, prompting furious responses across social media.
In an Instagram Story following the controversy, Owen dismissed the remarks as a drunken joke and attacked his critics:
“Oo out there and live your fcking life, trash talking about how fcked up I am is not gonna get you any better than just being a nosy ass. Mothafwaka I was drunk and was having fun with my bros and had no intention with whatever I said. Y’all people makes me sick.”
Social Media Backlash
Facebook users and netizens tore into Owen’s comments:
“Since they took down their article, here’s a link to another one. There’s video footage of him, and the BS he spouted off. ~ https://nextshark.com/owen-ovadoz-korean-rapper-sparks-outrage-with-racist-rape-joke-during-live-stream/” –Melinda Cardona
“‘As long as I keep it legal’… you can’t fkin rape someone legally wtf. He needs god and a good ass whooping.” –Noussa Hmida
“Ugh no! Owen, joking about rape isn’t funny. You need to seriously get checked ASAP, something’s not right in that head of yours.” –Lesly Buendia
“I feel really ashamed that I used to like and respect this trash. Joking about rape? He’s totally fucked up and ‘being drunk’ is not an excuse.” –Nikola Komorek
“His fans be like ‘I support him.’ What I get from you is, you support rape and you’re human trash.” –Toulue Vang
“WHO IS THIS MISOGYNISTIC BIGOT? WHO IS HE AND WHY IS HE USING OUR OXYGEN? HE SURE DOES LOOK LIKE A LAB RAT! HE SHOULDN’T BE TALKING ABOUT WOMEN AT ALL COS NO RACE WOULD WANT HIS UGLY ASS!” –Sheila Kiguta
These comments reflect the international outrage and disbelief at Owen’s behavior, marking the first major stain on his public reputation.
Sexualized Comments About ITZY’s Ryujin
In 2021, Owen sparked another firestorm with a sexualized comment aimed at ITZY’s Ryujin. After a fan complimented Ryujin’s rap, Owen replied:
“Yup. Her rap was conceived and birthed by my sperm.”
This lewd remark drew immediate condemnation from fans and media, further cementing his image as a misogynistic provocateur.
Dismissive Remarks About Black Lives Matter
During the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests, Owen publicly expressed disdain for the movement, livestreaming:
“I know what the campaign is, I don’t give a f**k man. I’m still making money — say I’m canceled, say I’m canceled more. There’s nothing you can do about it.”
Although he later issued an apology, many questioned the sincerity of his remorse, seeing it as part of a recurring pattern of dismissing social responsibility while attempting to profit off controversial visibility.
I’m sorry I said very ignorant things towards BLM. I should have known better about the situation, about George Floyd and many other injustices that were happening. I know this injustice prevailed for so long but still I took this matter personally and for that I am sorry beyond measure.
Drug Scandal and ‘Show Me the Money’ Fallout
In October 2020, Owen was forced to step down from Mnet’s Show Me the Money after reports surfaced that he, along with fellow MKIT Rain rappers Nafla, Loopy, Bloo, and Young West, had used marijuana at the label’s office in 2019.
While indictments were suspended for first-time offenders, the scandal tarnished Owen’s public image and led to MKIT Rain issuing an apology:
“All the members of MKIT Rain Records admit our faults and are sincerely regretting and reflecting.”
Adding insult to injury, Owen mocked rapper Bill Stax (formerly Vasco) on Instagram, sarcastically calling him a “model citizen” and questioning societal judgment, a move that underscored his disregard for public perception.
LE SSERAFIM Threats and Continued Public Outbursts
In March 2024, Owen reignited controversy by publicly criticizing the girl group LE SSERAFIM, stating:
“It’s no secret that they can’t sing live.”
He escalated the situation by posting a video holding an airsoft rifle while implying threats toward the group. Fans and the media condemned the behavior, calling for boycotts and further questioning his temperament and accountability.
Collaboration Controversy: pH-1 Under Fire
In December 2023, Owen’s controversial legacy affected peers when rapper pH-1 faced backlash for featuring him on the ROSETTA Remix alongside lobonabeat! and BIG Naughty.
Fans criticized the collaboration, citing Owen’s history of racist, misogynistic, and sexualized remarks. Key controversies from the past included:
- 2017 Instagram livestream rape joke
- 2020 dismissal of the Black Lives Matter movement
- 2021 sexualized comment about ITZY’s Ryujin
- Allegations of profiting off Black culture through music
In response, pH-1 defended his friendship with Owen, refusing to “cancel” him, but apologized for the PR fallout.
Fans reacted with fury, insisting that collaboration with Owen was unacceptable and a lapse in judgment.
Conclusion: Talent Overshadowed by Recklessness
While Owen Ovadoz has earned respect for his raw talent and standout albums, his career hasn’t been without drama. Here are other controversies, feuds, and behind-the-scenes chaos that fans can’t stop talking about (some already said but highlighted once again):
Expensive Concert Ticket Drama (2016)
- Back in 2016, Owen stirred up online chatter when tickets for one of his shows were priced at 55,000 KRW. Fans flooded forums like HipHopLE debating whether the price was fair. One user, MC손오천, clashed with Owen directly online. The drama didn’t last long, though the tickets sold out in just 2–3 minutes, proving his fans couldn’t resist.
Show Me the Money: Dark Horse Reputation
- Known as the “dark horse,” Owen often faced early eliminations on TV for reasons beyond his control. From cutting lyrics during performances to friction with producers, he frequently clashed with Mnet staff, especially female writers, who were reportedly brought to tears during disagreements. Many speculate that his personality and conflicts, rather than raw talent, were responsible for his early exits.
Rap Feuds & Diss Tracks
- In 2021, rapper An Byeong-woong dissed Owen on the track “Sinner” from his EP Batanga! Owen fired back via KakaoTalk and dropped a diss track on YouTube. Fans were firmly on Owen’s side, praising his lyrical dominance and unmatched skills. Critics labeled An Byeong-woong’s move as a cheap marketing stunt for a less-confident EP.
Record Label Conflicts & Artistic Control
- Owen eventually founded his independent label, Members Only Records, reportedly due to conflicts with UNCUTPOINT. Rumors suggest disputes over releasing his music, with Owen claiming several completed albums were stuck in limbo. Past contracts were said to be unfavorable, limiting his financial and creative control. This experience pushed him to prioritize legal protections and full artistic freedom for future projects.
Social Media Management
- Owen has also had his fair share of social media drama. After a spat with Simon Dominic, a friend temporarily managed his Instagram to prevent further issues. Owen accepts this arrangement, showing a strategic side to handling controversies online.
Owen’s Persona & Image
- Fans have noticed that Owen deliberately avoids an “idol-like” image, opting for a rough or shaved aesthetic. In 2019, he even shortened his rap name from “Owen Ovadoz” to just “Owen,” signaling a personal transformation. Despite all the controversies, his fans agree: his skills are top-tier, and his albums consistently deliver.
[UPDATE] 2025 Allegations: The Controversy That Changed Everything
In early 2025, Owen Ovadoz became the center of his most serious and damaging controversy to date when a woman publicly accused him of sexually touching her without consent while she was a minor.
The allegation was shared via social media and quickly spread across online communities and entertainment news outlets, igniting widespread backlash.
According to the accuser, the incident occurred after she waited overnight to see Owen at a venue. She claims that afterward, he sent her a hotel address and arranged a taxi, something she says she was uncomfortable with and did not want.
Once inside the hotel, she alleges that unwanted physical contact happened multiple times, despite her verbally refusing and attempting to avoid him.
“I Said No”: Her Account
The woman stated that she repeatedly expressed discomfort and tried to distance herself, but that her refusals were ignored. She claims the situation only ended after her friends became concerned, intervened, and helped her leave the location. She also said that police were contacted shortly afterward.
To support her account, she shared screenshots of messages, including taxi arrangements and conversations she says corroborate her version of events. She emphasized that she was underage at the time of the alleged incident.
Psychological Impact & Aftermath
The accuser said the experience caused long-term psychological harm, stating that she remains in therapy and takes medication to cope with trauma related to the incident. Her statements struck a nerve with the public, particularly given ongoing conversations in Korea’s hip-hop scene about power imbalance, consent, and accountability.
Owen’s Silence
Shortly after the allegations surfaced, Owen Ovadoz deleted his social media accounts. As of the time of writing, he has not released an official public statement addressing the claims directly.
His silence has fueled speculation and intensified criticism, with many fans interpreting the lack of response as troubling, while others argue that silence may reflect legal caution.
Not The First Time Owen Ovadoz Was Involved with Minors
Not surprisingly enough, this is not the first time Owen has been involved with allegations involving minors. According to a Reddit thread, Owen demanded a minor fan to send him nudes “or get out of his dms.”
When exposed for it, he retorted, “What if she’s underage? You underage girls be sending nudes all the time. So what if she’s underage, who gives a fuck?”
In a separate incident, Owen seemed to blame “kids” for being instigators when it comes to inappropriate message.
Reddit user @bee1128 shared that it was she and her friends who outted Owen back in 2017 for his lewd comments toward minors:
Lol. Quick story time: I don’t know if anyone remembers but in around 2017/2018 MKIT Rain had that whole stint where one of the friends of their group/member of their subgroup was outted as a pedophile. My friends and I were the ones who outted him after we had been notified he was sending nudes to minor fans as a 24 year old. Owen, got on live and tried to shame us for calling him out, excused his pedophilia, and in the same video made that comment about r*ping a certain demographic. We received so many death threats and had a lot of people telling us to harm ourselves (and ALL of us were still minors ourselves just exposing predators in the KHH industry). Owen never truly apologized for even the things that happened around that time, and then you couple that with everything else he’s said and done. Unfortunately he’s never ever gonna live it down. And it doesn’t help that he’s actively blocking black fans trying to talk to him.
Legal Status: What’s Known (and What Isn’t)
At present, the situation remains in the realm of public accusations and social media disclosures. There has been no widely reported confirmation of formal criminal charges or court proceedings in publicly available coverage. The case exists in a gray area. legally unresolved, but culturally explosive.
Owen Ovadoz’s career is a cautionary tale of how personal misconduct can eclipse professional talent. Despite undeniable skill as a rapper, his repeated pattern of offensive remarks, public outbursts, legal issues, and threats has created a persistent shadow over his music.
From international outrage over livestreams, social media backlash, sexualized comments, dismissive statements toward global movements, drug controversies, and reckless behavior toward fellow artists, Owen’s legacy is defined as much by his controversies as by his music.
Disclaimer: The content of the article is subjective and, legally or editorially, should not be interpreted as proven fact, objective truth, or established evidence.
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