Has ILLIT’s Charm Outshined Son Ye-jin? The Internet Reacts

A topic titled “ILLIT’s Wonhee Prettier & More Innocent than Son Ye-jin”emerged on the Korean forum ‘theqoo‘ on May 3, leading to a widespread discussion.

The subject matter discussed a piece from Korean media outlet MK News that explored the similarities between ILLIT’s Wonhee and the well-known actress Son Ye-jin.

Public Outrage and Debate

The article’s headline, which explicitly contrasted Wonhee’s charm and purity with that of Son Ye-jin, immediately sparked public backlash.

Despite gaining over 60,000 views and receiving more than 700 comments on ‘theqoo,’ the comparison sparked disbelief and anger among netizens who questioned its validity and intention. The debate only intensified as more people joined in to express their opinions.

The Role of HYBE in the Debate

The scrutiny of HYBE’s involvement in the controversy also came into question.

There were speculations among netizens that HYBE’s promotion tactics, commonly known as “media play,”may have overstepped ethical boundaries by utilizing Son Ye-jin’s name in a way that appeared improper or exaggerated.

Netizens’ Reactions

The matter sparked a response from Netizens, with certain individuals expressing disbelief at the boldness of the comparison. Some quotes from the online discussion include:

“Wow, HYBE must have spent a lot of money on this.”

“Using Son Ye-jin’s name like this is just disrespectful.”

“There’s no comparison between Wonhee and Son Ye-jin. This is absurd.”

“HYBE’s tactics are questionable. Are they trying to generate controversy intentionally?”

“This comparison is baseless and unnecessary. It only serves to create unnecessary drama.”

In a recent development, ILLIT’s Wonhee successfully landed a highly sought-after commercial deal with Pocari, marking a major milestone in her emerging career. The decision was met with praise from Korean netizens, who noted her perfect fit for the brand.

Despite this, there were concerns raised by international audiences regarding the perceived privilege that comes with debuting under HYBE Entertainment, especially in regards to securing early opportunities.

This sparked discussions regarding the dynamics of the industry and how affiliations play a role in shaping the competitive landscape of K-pop. Wonhee’s quick solo deal with Pocari, which occurred shortly after ILLIT’s debut, further ignited conversations about the importance of image building and affiliations in the industry.