SEVENTEEN’s Special Day Ruined? HYBE’s Controversial Decision Sets Internet Ablaze

The recent announcement from HYBE about SEVENTEEN’s upcoming 9th anniversary merchandise has sparked anger and disappointment among netizens.

The K-pop group, which made their debut in 2015, has gained a large fan base known as CARATs, who are recognized for their unwavering loyalty and enthusiasm towards the group.

Despite being highly anticipated by fans each year, SEVENTEEN’s anniversary merchandise usually features stunning designs that reflect the group’s identity and journey. However, this year’s teasers from HYBE have left many CARATs feeling disappointed and dissatisfied.

— SEVENTEEN STAFF (@pledis17_STAFF) May 19, 2024

The anniversary merchandise features necklaces that are adorned with charms, each one representing a different member of SEVENTEEN. Some of the designs, such as S.Coups’ cherry and Woozi’s music note, reflect the members’ unique traits, while others have caused controversy.

boycotting aside i really can’t believe how easily soul-less hybe has made svt’s merch to be in recent years…constantly churning out random merch that feels disconnected to svt’s identity, refusing to use colors and characters that mean a lot to the fandom and svt…just evil https://t.co/cbocGiUKdi

— ❔ (@soup4cat) May 21, 2024

boycott aside, you guys can’t let consumerism get to you this bad to the point where you’re buying boring ass merch with questionable design choices 😭 https://t.co/TBTzmHQug8

— lee chan’s lawyer ୨ৎ (@ohmysnoopy) May 21, 2024

SEVENTEEN 9th Anniversary Merch. ‘ALWAYS’ Concept Film🩵 Product release: 2024. 05. 23. 6PM (KST)📅 Sales opening: 2024. 05. 24. 6PM (KST)📍 @weverseshop #SEVENTEEN #SEVENTEEN #SVT_9th_Anniversary pic.twitter.com/5i8RmoubSp

— HYBE MERCH (@HYBE_MERCH) May 22, 2024

SEVENTEEN 9th Anniversary Merch. ‘ALWAYS’ Concept Photo🩵 Product release: 2024. 05. 23. 6PM (KST)📅 Sales opening: 2024. 05. 24. 6PM (KST)📍 @weverseshop #SEVENTEEN #SEVENTEEN #SVT_9th_Anniversary pic.twitter.com/t20oqnlyEp

— HYBE MERCH (@HYBE_MERCH) May 22, 2024

Despite the criticism from netizens, the designs have been heavily criticized for being “cheap”and “uncreative.”Fans have expressed their concerns that the designs do not align with SEVENTEEN’s identity and lack the depth that fans have grown to appreciate. In particular, certain designs, like Vernon’s UFO and Mingyu’s french fries, have been pointed out as problematic.

didn’t we all agree to stop with the potato jokes so how tf did it become his representative merch https://t.co/S8mRRZIwZb

— ًً (@msjeonkims) May 22, 2024

sickass creative team, production team, advertising team, marketing team, everybody in that company is so fucking stupid and tone deaf y’all need to go to hell https://t.co/uxDnOvfylT

— ‎joji ✰ (@svtwskid) May 22, 2024

Despite Mingyu expressing discomfort with jokes about potatoes in the past, fans were outraged by the choice of a french fries charm for him. Many argued that this design choice was tone-deaf and showed insensitivity towards his feelings. Netizens also believe that HYBE should have consulted both the members and fans to create more meaningful and respectful designs.

Some CARATs feel that HYBE’s approach to the anniversary merchandise does not align with SEVENTEEN’s image and identity. They believe that the designs are solely focused on making money and do not show the thoughtfulness and creativity that fans deserve.