Is (G)I-DLE Soyeon Being Criticized for Having “Celebrity Disease” by Korean Media?

TenAsia, a Korean media outlet, recently published an article that heavily criticized (G)I-DLE’s Soyeon for exhibiting signs of the “celebrity disease,”a term used to describe artists whose talents are widely acknowledged but who lack consideration for others in their actions.

TenAsia reported that Jeon Soyeon, a key member of (G)I-DLE, may have taken her self-confidence too far, resulting in her making decisions without consulting the rest of the group. This was evident during a recent solo performance at (G)I-DLE’s concert, where Jeon Soyeon sang the song “Is this bad b**** number?”and used profanities while changing the lyrics to say, “11월 계약 종료. 누가 날 막아”(“Contract ends in November. Who can stop me?”), which sparked controversy.

This performance caused concern among fans about the future of (G)I-DLE, who are in their seventh year, according to TenAsia. The revelation of (G)I-DLE’s contract renewal being uncertain also caused turmoil for Cube Entertainment.

Despite not being directly expressed, it was mentioned that Soyeon’s modified lyrics alluded to her lack of intention to renew her contract with Cube.

Recently, a spokesperson from Cube’s PR team addressed questions regarding the renewal of (G)I-DLE’s contract. In response, they stated, “All members will be up for renewal next year and Jeon Soyeon’s declaration of contract renewal this fall was simply part of her performance.”They also added, “While we were expecting some unexpected moments in Jeon Soyeon’s performance, we were not specifically aware that she would mention the contract expiration.”

In her defense, Jeon Soyeon took to social media and clarified, “The performance was completely genuine and I had not concealed anything from the company. We had worked together and rehearsed multiple times to perfect the stage.”

According to TenAsia, Jeon Soyeon’s solo performance has been criticized for not taking into account the opinions shared by Cube.

Based on the report from the media outlet, Cube’s inability to control Soyeon’s actions during his performance brought attention to the common struggle faced by management companies.

“As their fame grows, numerous stars attempt to break free from the control of their agencies. However, not all of them handle delicate situations by publicly addressing them, as Soyeon did. Instead, shrewd artists engage in subtle power struggles with their companies behind the scenes, in order to achieve their goals without drawing attention. According to the media, while Soyeon’s role in (G)I-DLE is undeniable, industry experts are not optimistic about her solo success. They believe that for both the group’s longevity and Soyeon’s individual career, it is crucial for her to collaborate with her fellow members and the agency.”

The critics also questioned Soyeon’s actions, stating, “As Soyeon’s contract comes to an end in November and the remaining members’ contracts expire early next year, this is a crucial period for the group’s future. It is important for Soyeon to show humility and carefully consider her actions. She must break free from the ‘celebrity disease’ and establish proper communication with Cube for the betterment of (G)I-DLE’s future.”

The source of the information is TenAsia and it can be found on Daum at https://v.daum.net/v/20240806200102748.