Criticism Directed at (G)I-DLE’s Soyeon for Soojin Reference and Remarks on HYBE at 2024 MAMA

(G)I-DLE’s Soyeon Sparks Controversy with Provocative Performance at 2024 MAMA

On November 23, Soyeon, a standout member of K-pop girl group (G)I-DLE, made headlines following her audacious performance at the 2024 MAMA (Mnet Asian Music Awards). Utilizing her talent as a rapper, Soyeon showcased lyrics she penned personally, which pointedly addressed her exit from Cube Entertainment and the departure of former group member Soojin amid allegations of school bullying in 2021.

During her performance, Soyeon rapped:

“Back in ’21, you said / ‘What can you guys achieve without Soojin?’ / Contract and company, I said I’m going to take care of it / If I let things like that affect me, I wouldn’t have made it here.”

Soyeon’s references to Soojin, who is currently forging her own career path, sparked polarized reactions across social media platforms, such as Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). Some fans expressed their discomfort, commenting on the inappropriateness of mentioning Soojin in this context, while others pointed out that, despite the discomfort, Soyeon’s performance was undeniably impressive. Remarks included sentiments like, “It’s inappropriate to mention Soojin in this way when she’s still active,” and “The performance was powerful, but mentioning Soojin felt unsettling.”

Conversely, several supporters rallied behind Soyeon, arguing that her lyrics resonated with the diss-rap genre and likely received Soojin’s prior consent. One fan noted, “The message is powerful, and Soyeon wouldn’t have included her name without consent.”

Additionally, another striking line from Soyeon’s rap raised eyebrows. She sang:

“Creative critiques, passionate fingers, and dedication. But if you’re an insider, it turns my cheeks red.”

This particular line is believed to be a dig at HYBE, alluding to a recent scandal involving an internal report that criticized various idols, including members of (G)I-DLE, for their talents and appearance. This revelation occurred during a National Assembly hearing, where derogatory comments from an internal HYBE document were disclosed.

Soyeon’s audacious and multifaceted performance continues to fuel discussions about the nature of empowerment in the K-pop industry. Fans remain divided on whether her lyrics were a bold assertiveness or an unnecessary provocation.

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