Korean Fans Criticize SEVENTEEN for Silence During HYBE Controversies

SEVENTEEN’s Silence Sparks Controversy Among Fans

On November 2, 2024, a humorous post on Nate Pann drew attention to the K-pop group SEVENTEEN, highlighting their frequent pattern of remaining silent amid controversies surrounding their agency, HYBE. The original poster characterized SEVENTEEN as the “comedians of this era,” poking fun at the group’s apparent nonchalance towards pressing issues.

This post quickly garnered approximately 70,000 views and a plethora of comments, sparking discussions across social media platforms. The post’s content included:

“SEVENTEEN going completely silent as a group is hilarious. I can already picture them going on their world tour, reappearing as if nothing happened, laughing like usual. They never clarify or apologize, just try to sweep things under the rug—it’s really annoying. They feel like a pack of ‘manly men’ who refuse to own up.”

This critique has prompted fervent reactions from fans and the general public, revealing a divide in opinions regarding SEVENTEEN’s handling of controversies and their perceived responsibilities as artists.

Netizens React to SEVENTEEN’s Silence

The commentary section beneath the initial post was a hotbed of discussions, reflecting both criticism and staunch defense of SEVENTEEN. Some voices called for heightened transparency from SEVENTEEN and HYBE in light of recent scandals, while others defended the group, arguing they should not be accountable for agency-related decisions.

“While I understand the point, I wish they would regret bringing other female idols into this. They shouldn’t have to mention others to address their own situation.”

“Regardless of anything else, Hoshi tagging Karina without context was out of line. She’s been dealing with rumors and harassment; why bring more negativity to her?”

“It’s frustrating seeing Hoshi use another idol, especially a younger one, to express his frustrations.”

“Hoshi unnecessarily involving Karina felt exploitative, especially considering the backlash she’s faced. It just adds to her struggles.”

Conversely, several commenters rose to SEVENTEEN’s defense, emphasizing that the group shouldn’t be required to comment on matters outside their control:

“Did SEVENTEEN actually do anything wrong? They’ve shared their personal sentiments without anyone else’s involvement. Is it necessary for them to apologize? If they speak, they could face even more criticism.”

“People expect SEVENTEEN to apologize for issues that HYBE hasn’t even acknowledged. They’re not responsible for writing the label’s internal communications.”

This discussion unfolds against the backdrop of several allegations against HYBE and its artists, prompting netizens to question the label’s transparency and decision-making practices. Observers note that this isn’t the first time SEVENTEEN has opted to remain mum during agency-related controversies.

Source: Pann

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