'Jannabi→RIIZE' Controversy Surrounds K-Pop Bands Over Reintegrating Disgraced Members
'Jannabi→RIIZE' Controversy Surrounds K-Pop Bands Over Reintegrating Disgraced Members
《Lee Min-kyung's Siren》

Lee Min-kyung from TenAsia sounds the alarm on the rapidly evolving entertainment industry. She highlights unseen issues and alerts us to the threats and changes surrounding the entertainment world.

The band Jannabi is facing public backlash for employing former member Yoo Young-hyun as a staff member. This follows a similar incident involving the group RIIZE's Sung-han, who attempted to return to activities after a hiatus. The industry is now hearing calls to align with public sentiment rather than offering leniency.
'Jannabi→RIIZE' Controversy Surrounds K-Pop Bands Over Reintegrating Disgraced Members
'Jannabi→RIIZE' Controversy Surrounds K-Pop Bands Over Reintegrating Disgraced Members
Jannabi has failed to shake off the 'school violence' stigma. Yoo Young-hyun, who admitted to school violence in 2019 and left the band, was hired as an assistant for sound engineering. He worked in concert and rehearsal settings but was not involved in album production, indicating no plans for rejoining the band.

In response, Jannabi's agency, Peponi Music, announced on their official fan cafe, "We have decided not to proceed with Yoo Young-hyun's sound assistant role. We sincerely apologize for the disappointment and hurt caused to our fans."

Jannabi's frontman, Choi Jung-hoon, also expressed regret, saying, "If I could have shared everything with you, this situation and discord might not have occurred. I apologize for trying to bring him on as staff through inappropriate means."
'Jannabi→RIIZE' Controversy Surrounds K-Pop Bands Over Reintegrating Disgraced Members
'Jannabi→RIIZE' Controversy Surrounds K-Pop Bands Over Reintegrating Disgraced Members
A similar case involves RIIZE's Sung-han, who debuted in September 2023 but halted activities in November due to pre-debut personal issues. Photos of him visiting a hotel with a girlfriend and videos criticizing other group members led to his departure.

After an 11-month hiatus, SM Entertainment announced Sung-han's return to the group. However, the RIIZE fandom strongly opposed, sending funeral wreaths to the agency and issuing statements. Two days after the announcement, Sung-han decided to leave the group voluntarily, stating in a handwritten letter, "I believe leaving the team is the best path for everyone. I don't want to cause further confusion and hurt to fans, nor do I want to harm the members or the company any longer."
'Jannabi→RIIZE' Controversy Surrounds K-Pop Bands Over Reintegrating Disgraced Members
'Jannabi→RIIZE' Controversy Surrounds K-Pop Bands Over Reintegrating Disgraced Members
The entertainment industry's tendency to reintegrate members who left due to personal issues stems from a lax moral stance. Historically, the industry has been lenient towards artists. While it's unfair to generalize industry professionals as less moral than the public, the reality is that if an artist has market value, their moral shortcomings are often overlooked.

Industry insiders argue, "Historically, few artists have met modern society's moral standards. If we only enjoy art from those who pass today's criteria, the history of human art would be meaningless."

While this argument holds some truth, applying 20th-century logic to 2024 is impractical. In the past, personal moral flaws were easier to conceal, and public perception differed from today's. Living in 2024 means adhering to the moral standards demanded by today's audience.

Entertainers cannot thrive without public affection. Agencies managing these artists must let go of members who evoke public disapproval before the entire group is tainted with 'school violence' or 'personal issues' labels.

Lee Min-kyung, TenAsia Reporter 2min_ror@tenasia.co.kr