Throwing water bottles and ‘meat shield’ jokes
Kim Jae-hwan, former Wanna One member, directly mentions
'Bullying controversy' injures both artists and fans
Kim Jae-hwan, former Wanna One member, directly mentions
'Bullying controversy' injures both artists and fans
Bae Jin-young of the group CIX was embroiled in rumors of bullying within the team. Bae Jin-young expressed his displeasure and announced legal action against those who made the claim. Fans were also hurt by the unexpected controversy.
Recently, CIX's agency C9 Entertainment released a statement on the Bae Jin-young bullying rumor that emerged last month through its official fan cafe. The rumor about Bae Jin-young's bullying arose during CIX's European tour.
The agency said, "We are organizing the false content being distributed in relation to a specific video filmed inside the performance venue and the facts about it."
CIX's European tour video shows some overseas fans throwing water bottles at Bae Jin-young while he was speaking. In addition, one member even joked in a personal interview, "If a zombie outbreak occurs, I will use Bae Jin-young as a meat shield," sparking the 'Bae Jin-young bullying theory.'
Kim Jae-hwan's comment from Wanna One, like Bae Jin-young, was decisive. Kim Jae-hwan directly posted a post claiming the controversy on his social media. In addition, Kim Jae-hwan responded directly through a platform where he communicates with fans, saying, "As an older brother who shared the same memories, wouldn't it be okay to post it if you're upset?"
In relation to this, the agency said, "They are spreading false facts without any evidence. We have also notified YouTube channels based on the above content to delete the posts, and if they do not delete the content, we will take civil and criminal action." “It is,” he added.
The team received attention for issues other than the group's music. Even if it is not true, it is difficult for a group with rumors of discord to have an enterprising atmosphere. Because the controversy broke out during an important event in the team's career, the European tour, it was even more painful for the group.
Kim Jae-hwan's direct comments did not provide much help to his 'beloved younger brother.' Rather, it only served as a catalyst to incite controversy.
‘Malicious manipulation’ created the bullying theory. What I said as a joke became ‘evidence of bullying.’ Also, throwing objects was a bad habit of some overseas fans. The point of controversy should not be the artist on stage, but the organizer of the performance. This is a situation where we must criticize the lack of prior notice or action.
In the end, only the artist was injured. In the past, there are fans who supported artists from Wanna One to CIX. Whether the ‘bullying rumor’ is true or not, fans’ hearts are hurt as they see the artist hurt.
Reporter Junho Yoon, Ten Asia delo410@tenasia.co.kr