Beleaguered by online rumors that Tzuyu, member of girl band Twice, opposed China’s claims on Taiwan in a Korean entertainment show in November 2015, her agency issued a statement Wednesday saying she cannot be labeled an “independence fighter.”

It noted that the Taiwan-born musician “never spoke in favor of Taiwan’s independence from China.”

(MBC Entertainment's official twitter)

The agency said that Tzuyu’s activities in China, including appearances in a TV show celebrating Lunar New Year’s Day and TV commercials, will be suspended until the controversy surrounding her subsides.

As the controversy keeps escalating, JYP issued an additional statement on Thursday on its official Weibo, saying, the 16-year-old respects and supports China’s principle.

Below is the full statement from JYP Entertainment:

Online rumors have spread that our artist Tzuyu is a Taiwanese “independence fighter,” and we apologize to all fans for causing such trouble from groundless speculations.

1. Tzuyu respects the One-China principle. Taiwan is her place of birth, which means Taiwan and Tzuyu cannot be severed. However, it is safe to say that all Taiwanese are not necessarily freedom fighters. Tzuyu never spoke in favor of Taiwan’s independence from China. It is not true that Tzuyu endorses Taiwan’s independence.

2. JYP endorses a cooperative relationship between Korea and China. We respect One-China principle and do not tolerate any individuals in the company, who are detrimental to the good relationship.

JYP would like to express its apology, especially to Chinese fans who were troubled. We are responsible for holding JYP artists accountable.

I appreciate all your support to JYP. Please keep your support. We will do our best to prevent such trouble at an earlier stage. Again we would like to apologize for any trouble we caused. We will do our best in 2016.

(JYP's official Weibo)

By Son Ji-hyoung (json@heraldcorp.com)