Jeon Soyeon of (G)I-DLE Sparks Controversy at 2024 MAMA Awards with Solo Performance

Jeon Soyeon of the group (G)I-DLE made headlines during her solo performance at the '2024 MAMA AWARDS' by mentioning her contract termination and former member Seo Soojin.

On the 23rd, at the '2024 MAMA AWARDS' held at Kyocera Dome Osaka in Japan, Jeon Soyeon delivered a solo rap performance before (G)I-DLE's group stage. The lyrics, penned by Jeon herself, sparked controversy.

During her performance, Jeon referenced her contract termination with Cube Entertainment and mentioned Seo Soojin, who left the group in February 2021 following school bullying allegations. Her lyrics included, "You said in '21 / 'What can you do without Soojin?' / Contract termination and company matters, I'll handle it / If I were affected by that, I wouldn't have made it this far."

Fans and the public expressed discomfort on platforms like 'X' and Instagram, saying, "Is it appropriate to mention Soojin, who's still active?", "The performance was great, but it made me uneasy," and "I understand the message, but it left me with mixed feelings."

Some fans defended Jeon, stating, "The lyrics fit the diss rap concept. Isn't the message powerful?" and "She wouldn't have mentioned a name without permission."

Additionally, Jeon rapped, "Creative criticism, passionate fingers, sincerity. But if it's from insiders, my cheeks turn red," which some speculate targets HYBE's internal document controversy.

Last month, during a National Assembly audit by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee, an 'Industry Report' allegedly written by a former Weverse Magazine executive under HYBE was revealed. The report contained derogatory remarks about (G)I-DLE and other idol groups' skills and appearances.