Treasure, 'pseudo-relationship' controversy... Fans' concerns became reality

《Yoon Jun-ho’s Rebirth》

Reporter Junho Yoon of Ten Asia introduces trends in the entertainment industry. Let’s take a look back at what the public’s needs are and what made it popular or inconvenient.

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With the group Treasure appearing on the dating program 'Shining SOLO', the rumors are continuing. Fans expressed their displeasure at the current idol group's portrayal of romantic encounters between women while ignoring fans' feelings.

In the first episode of SBS' new entertainment program 'Shining SOLO', which was first broadcast at 12:30 pm on the 3rd, five members (Junkyu, Asahi, Jihoon, Yoon Jaehyuk, and Haruto) entered Treasure Castle to become the best 'jewel men'. did. ‘Shining SOLO’ is a romantic survival show that will determine Treasure’s best ‘jewel man’. It follows the members spending four days at Treasure Castle, appealing to their individual charms, and being selected by the female cast every night.

In particular, on this day's broadcast, Jihoon, Junkyu, Yoon Jaehyuk, Asahi, and Haruto cooked with four women or had in-depth conversations, depicting scenes similar to 'dating programs'.

There were mixed reactions to the content of the broadcast. First of all, this is the first program where a current male idol shares a crush with the opposite sex. Fans who are sensitive to idols' romantic relationships expressed their displeasure.

In fact, fans reacted negatively, saying, "It makes no sense for an idol to appear on a dating program" and "I don't necessarily want to see an idol with someone of the opposite sex."

On the other hand, there are also positions such as "entertainment is just entertainment" and "it is inappropriate to call it 'deception of fans' when it is not an actual relationship." This is positive because the group called Treasure is building awareness. The analysis is that the fact that it is broadcast on a domestic terrestrial broadcasting station is an opportunity to gain popularity.

However, even this is not easy. The viewership rating for the first broadcast of ‘Shining SOLO’ is around 0.5% (based on Nielsen Korea). Because it is a program broadcast late at night, it is said to be difficult to attract viewers or attract attention. Fans who observe excessive intimacy and pseudo-romantic behavior with female performers are just embarrassed.

The domestic fandom’s dissatisfaction with Treasure’s activities has been around for a long time. Even after the album was released, they said that they would focus their activities in Japan, and even posted friendly articles about Japan on anniversaries such as Memorial Day, which infuriated the domestic fandom.

Along with various controversies, Treasure's domestic recognition is disappointing. Even with the halo of a huge entertainment company called YG Entertainment, there are limits to being called a ‘popular idol’. At a press conference commemorating the release of Treasure's second full-length album 'REBOOT' in July last year, member Choi Hyun-seok said, "It would be a lie if I said I had no regrets (about public recognition)," and added, "I like the stage and the song, and if I keep showing it, many public and fans will also like it." “Wouldn’t you like it?” he said, expressing his difficulties.

Treasure is a group proudly presented by executive producer Yang Hyun-seok. However, fans are becoming increasingly concerned that appearing on a 'dating program' to gain popularity may create another commotion.

Reporter Junho Yoon, Ten Asia delo410@tenasia.co.kr