VIVIZ Faces Backlash for Mentioning Controversial Fanfiction in JYJ’s Jaejoong Message

VIVIZ Faces Controversy Over Jaejoong Reference on Jae Friends

The K-pop group VIVIZ has recently found themselves in hot water after their participation in the show Jae Friends, hosted by JYJ’s Kim Jaejoong. This controversy stems from the group’s response to a pre-show questionnaire, which included a reference to a notorious mature-themed fanfiction associated with Jaejoong.

Controversial Reference Sparks Backlash

During the episode, VIVIZ responded to the question about their impression of Kim Jaejoong with the quote, “So it’s you, the pretty one from Class 8.” This line is notably taken from a fanfiction that gained attention during the TVXQ era, drawing scrutiny due to its explicit nature.

Concern Over Discomfort Expressed by Jaejoong

The backlash intensified when fans recalled Jaejoong’s previous discomfort expressed regarding the mature themes present in the fanfiction. Many fans have raised questions about the ethics of referencing material that the idol finds troubling.

Double Standards in Gender Perception

The incident has prompted discussions about perceived double standards in the treatment of male and female idols. One fan remarked, “If a male idol had done this, he would face relentless criticism online for sexual harassment. It feels like this uproar has been downplayed because of Jaejoong’s fanbase holding back.” This sentiment reflects a prevailing concern regarding how different genders are judged in similar situations.

Fans Call for Responsible Editing

Despite the line’s prevalence in South Korean pop culture, where it has been turned into a meme featured on merchandise and in dramas, many fans are demanding more careful editorial processes. They argue that it is vital to acknowledge the origins and implications of such references.

One concerned fan voiced, “It’s alarming that a meme drives the immediate association with Jaejoong. It raises troubling questions about the awareness of the producers during filming. Jae Friends has been one of my favorites, but this incident has tainted my view. For anyone dismissing our concerns as overreactions, it’s important to understand that this meme originated from trolling, leading to discomfort for both Jaejoong and his fans.”

Action Taken After the Backlash

In response to the controversy, the specific question and answer have been removed from the show’s YouTube community page, indicating that the producers are aware of the backlash and are taking action to mitigate the situation.