EVERGLOW’s Controversial Russia Concert Decision Causes Ukrainian Fanbase Backlash

On August 27, it was revealed that the popular K-pop group EVERGLOW, featuring members E:U, Sihyeon, Onda, and Aisha, would be performing in Russia, triggering strong reactions from fans globally. The concert is part of the VK Festival, an event hosted on VK, a social media platform overseen by the Kremlin, which added significant concern among the fanbase.

8turn and Everglow will officially perform in Russia. At the VK festival (a social network controlled by the Kremlin).No words.@MEMBERS_8TURN @EVERGLOW_STAFF #russiaisaterroriststate pic.twitter.com/tC6FWIYwOl

— ⁵🌻⁷bichnaneun⁷🕊🦅🇺🇦 | TEMPEST FOREVER 7 (@bichnaneun2) August 28, 2025

In response to the news, fans of EVERGLOW, particularly those from Ukraine, urged the group’s new label, CHXXTA Company, to reconsider the performance. They expressed deep concern over how the concert could negatively impact fans affected by the ongoing war in Ukraine.

want to address the elephant in the room?? wtf are you doing on a russian website, making them do videos for that, MAKE THEM PERFORM IN A TERRORIST STATE!!!! is the concert just the first step?? what do you have planned for them? CHXXTA COMPANY YOU HAVE NO MORALS pic.twitter.com/a0HYv7ygUj

— rea (@poisoneedhope) October 30, 2025

Following the announcement, a collective effort erupted among fans, culminating in a mass email campaign directed at CHXXTA Company. Messages consistently urged the agency to prioritize the safety of both fans and the group by canceling the Russia performance. They stated, “Please reconsider the performance in Russia for the safety of fans and the group, ”a sentiment reiterated over several months.

Despite numerous messages flooding social media, there was a lack of response from CHXXTA Company. Fans’ concerns went largely unaddressed, and the company quietly launched a Russian VK account without notifying supporters on other platforms, further intensifying dissent among the fanbase.

today evg ukraine fanbase admin was under shelling again which left half the city without electricity and i still see comments like “its not that important” under messages of asking chxxta to cancel that damn festival attending 🫩🫩🫩

— ksenia ᨳ𐔌՞҂ ˕ ּե՞𐦯ᜊ (@L4D1D4) October 13, 2025

if chxxta really does make everglow perform in russia (which seems like it’s happening) then i won’t support the group in any way.if buying albums/streaming, etc.means i support a company who doesnt gaf about people dying then it is what it is

— Vira🌸 (@shy_buckss) October 30, 2025

Cancel EVERGLOW’s show in Russia. FOREVER condemn the war Russia started vs Ukraine. Performing there = disrespect to Ukrainians + huge damage to the group & company image. Don’t support the aggressor—stand with Ukraine.#EVERGLOW #StandWithUkraine

— onda pics (@jsrzip) October 2, 2025

Despite persistent protests and the very real concerns voiced by fans, EVERGLOW ultimately took the stage in Russia on November 23.

sooo…everglow in russia today)))) no comments about it pic.twitter.com/E6XeUoFP8w

— stasya ♡ (@listenladida) November 23, 2025

that’s not only problem in company.girls also want to do this. I hate you all pic.twitter.com/69KPfD1O0k

— stasya ♡ (@listenladida) November 23, 2025

Following this performance, the Ukrainian fanbase of EVERGLOW, active since 2021, announced its official closure. Fans expressed their discontent through moving statements, articulating feelings of disappointment and emotional pain resulting from being disregarded by both the company and the group they had supported for many years.

This controversy has led to widespread disappointment within the international FOREVER community. Supporters report feeling ignored and emotionally drained after months of attempts to convey the serious implications of the group’s decision. The silence from CHXXTA Company remains pervasive as fans continue to call for an official statement regarding the issue.

The ongoing Russia–Ukraine conflict, which escalated dramatically with Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, has led to severe humanitarian crises, including mass casualties and displacements. Given the sensitive nature of this conflict, many fans feel that performances by international artists in Russia bear significant political and emotional implications.

Sources: X

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