HYBE Suggests EXO’s Baekhyun Imitating BTS’s Jungkook’s Livestreaming Approach

Recent Insights into EXO and Baekhyun’s Fan Engagement Strategies

A document released on July 26, 2023, sheds light on the recent initiatives undertaken by EXO and the individual efforts of member Baekhyun to maintain a strong connection with fans. Among the notable activities was Baekhyun’s early-morning Instagram live broadcast on July 21, in which he showcased a stretching routine while dressed casually in pajamas. This informal setting seemingly highlighted Baekhyun’s commitment to stay engaged with his fanbase, even sparking conversations about his approach.

Comparative Analysis with Jungkook’s Livestream

The document drew parallels between Baekhyun’s livestream and a similar session conducted by Jungkook of BTS, who also hosted a 7 AM livestream in June 2023. Critics labeled Baekhyun’s efforts as “overly casual,” suggesting that he might have been influenced by Jungkook’s earlier broadcast. Speculations arose that Baekhyun’s recent actions stemmed from a sense of anxiety regarding EXO’s challenges in recapturing their pre-comeback momentum. Observers noted these livestreams as subtle indicators of Baekhyun’s “impatience” with the group’s current status.

nahhh that baekhyun live part actually made me giggle cuz wdym they saw him stretching with a foam roller at 7 in the morning and went “yeah he’s copying jungkook”pic.twitter.com/Rz07PXKuXl https://t.co/gIcawKvbLQ

— kiwi 🥝 (@znzl_5841) November 1, 2024

Fan Reactions and the Growing Tension

The leak of this document ignited a wave of reactions from both EXO-Ls and ARMY, the respective fanbases of EXO and BTS. Many fans expressed bewilderment and frustration at what they perceived as an undue analysis of Baekhyun’s harmless stretching routine. There were calls for understanding, as fans questioned why a seemingly innocent session warranted such scrutiny, with some condemning the agency’s attempt to stir perceived rivalry between the groups.

Moreover, following EXO’s recent comeback, fans had high hopes for the new unit featuring Baekhyun and D.O. to reinvigorate interest in the group. However, reports have suggested that rather than uniting the fandoms, the comeback may have inadvertently exacerbated divisions among fans, fostering a subtle competition between the Baekhyun and D.O. supporters.

Conclusion

The leaked HYBE document and the ensuing discussions around Baekhyun’s recent efforts have added fuel to the fire of rivalry between fanbases, prompting reflection on whether such comparisons are justified or simply orchestrated drama within the K-pop industry. As the landscape continues to evolve, the nature of fan interactions and agency analyses will undoubtedly remain a topic of keen interest.

Source: X, KrB

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