K-Netz Defend Illit From Hate Following Akaraka Performance

After their successful performance at AKARAKA, Korean netizens are rallying behind ILLIT in response to the hate comments directed towards the girl group.

During Yonsei University’s annual music festival, AKARAKA, on May 25, 2024, ILLIT was the second group to take the stage. However, following their performance, the girl group faced a backlash from internet users who accused them of lip-syncing.

Despite the popularity and positive reception of other artists in the line-up, such as DAY6, aespa, (G)I-DLE, and BIGBANG’s Taeyang, many criticized the group for ruining the atmosphere of the festival. Questions were raised about why Yonsei University would choose to invite idols who have faced accusations of lip-syncing during their performances.

The backlash against ILLIT is currently at a high level. Following Min Hee Jin’s allegations that BELIFT Lab and HYBE Labels copied NewJeans’s formula for ILLIT’s debut, the girl group has been closely watched and scrutinized. Despite Min Hee Jin clarifying that the accusations were directed towards the companies and not the members themselves, ILLIT has been labeled as an imitation group.

Despite the hate, numerous Korean netizens have risen in support of the girl group. They are showing their encouragement for the members and also condemning those who harbor animosity towards ILLIT solely because of their affiliation with HYBE. These individuals argue that anyone who dedicates their time to hating on ILLIT, a group comprised primarily of minors, is displaying a lack of character.

Additionally, it was observed that the audience at Yonsei University responded positively. In various fan cams, the crowd can be heard cheering and showing their admiration for ILLIT’s rendition of their popular track “Magnetic.”

Eyelet Akaraka Magnetic Yonsei University is the best💙 #Aillet #Wonhee pic.twitter.com/t3D9z9wOV8

— EH Jeong oi ❤︎ (@210rlavu) May 25, 2024

Akaraka 2024 Eyelet Magnetic. .♡Wonhee is so cute… . 😭😭 #ILLIT #Akaraka #ILLIT #Yonsei University pic.twitter.com/aH5a4mxxAA

— Deal (@dufmafuk) May 25, 2024

I’ve been memorizing the Aylit Akaraka slogan a lot..🫳🫳 pic.twitter.com/Z2kpuyLT7q

— Bob (@barbiee__world) May 25, 2024

Several comments state,

“YOU, fighting!”

“They destroyed the mood.”

“Wow, these fake singers are getting paid to ‘sing.’”

“People on TheQoo are seriously losers.”

“Wow, you guys are losers. How do you feel hating on young girls like this?”

“Why are people on TheQoo so mean?”

“Seriously, cut it down already. At this rate, you guys are just hating on anyone from HYBE.”

“Did Yonsei University lose their touch? Why are they inviting singers who just lip-sync?”

“This is a win for Korea University.”

“The reactions they got are f*cking good, though.”

In May 2024, ILLIT was announced as the new face of the French cosmetics brand Bioderma. Around the same time, Wonhee was chosen as the new spokesperson for the Japanese sports drink Pocari Sweat.

REGARDING YOU: Members of ILLIT are receiving backlash for initially following, and then subsequently unfollowing, fan accounts.