Controversy Erupts Over 'Trip Kode' Idol Dating Show: Fans React Strongly

'You know what?' Lee So-jung from TenAsia is here to capture intriguing issues in the broadcasting world and stimulate the public's dopamine.

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"Who wanted this?", "A supply with no demand."

Recently, such reactions have been flooding social media. On the 9th, the YouTube channel 'Trip Kode' released a teaser video featuring Bae Jin-young and (G)I-DLE's Miyeon on a travel date, which immediately faced heavy criticism. Fans reacted coldly, and the video was made private within a day.

At the center of this controversy is a format reminiscent of MBC's variety show 'We Got Married,' which ended in 2017, but revived in an 'idol version.' 'Trip Kode's new content features one male and one female idol enjoying a trip while raising each other's heart rates. The first episode stars Bae Jin-young, who debuted with Wanna One in 2017, and Miyeon, who entered the entertainment industry with (G)I-DLE in 2018.

Fans questioned, "Why would idols with 8-9 years of experience appear on a dating concept show?" One netizen pointed out, "They're not rookies, and they're already well-known idols. It's hard to understand why they're on such a program."

Timing was also criticized. Bae Jin-young is set to debut solo on the 14th, while Miyeon currently has no domestic activities. A fan expressed disappointment, saying, "Right before a comeback, connecting with fans is crucial. Was it necessary to appear in such sensitive content?" Another fan commented, "For comeback promotion, there were better ways. This choice seems more harmful than beneficial."

Idol fandoms have long been sensitive to broadcasts dealing with male-female relationships. Fans dislike seeing their artists 'paired' with someone on a show. This content touched that taboo, leading to significant backlash. Netizens criticized, "Is it necessary to pair male and female idols on a show?" and "The planning shows a lack of understanding of fandom sentiments."

As the controversy grew, 'Trip Kode' made the teaser video private. However, the full episode is scheduled to air on the 16th at 6:30 PM. The 'Trip Kode' channel has previously received praise for non-dating idol content like 'Blind Talk,' focusing on 'personality and chemistry' rather than romantic relationships. Fans appreciated the 'appropriate distance' in those series. However, the new 'dating version' is seen as losing that balance.

One netizen commented, "Previous content focused on friendly chemistry, but this is blatantly romantic. It leaves discomfort instead of excitement." Another viewer criticized, "It seems they chose provocative direction for ratings or views, but it's backfired."

An industry insider noted, "For idols with established careers, the risk is high. With their experience, artists have more autonomy in deciding whether to participate. They need to assess if the content benefits them."

Another insider pointed out, "For idol content with a clear target audience, ignoring fandom sentiments can backfire. This isn't just about the participants; it's a misstep in planning from the production stage." They added, "Making the teaser private within a day is a loss for both the participants and the production team. If the topic is sensitive to the target audience, it should be filtered out during planning."

Similar opinions are echoed on social media. A fan criticized, "Reviving a format canceled 8 years ago is truly regressive." Another netizen evaluated, "Even if the participants joined with good intentions, if fans are uncomfortable, it's a failed content."

Some fans worry, "If this series continues, more idols will find themselves at the center of controversy." As the content progresses, conflicts among fandoms may increase, potentially damaging the idols' images.

An industry expert stated, "The format reminiscent of 'We Got Married,' canceled 8 years ago, doesn't fit today's idol industry. The phrase 'supply with no demand' wasn't said for nothing. Content creators should stop replicating 'old-fashioned excitement.'" They continued, "With the changing culture of fandoms and viewer sensibilities, 'Trip Kode's attempt is not a revival after 8 years but a regression to 8 years ago."

Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr