It is no secret that netizens can be extremely harsh, picking apart any and every detail of their target. This includes when the topic is idols, as some netizens will pick at any part of a person they feel does not fit an “idol” image.
IVE’s Jang Wonyoung Gets Criticized For Her Arm Hair — Netizens React
In 2023, a rookie idol was surprisingly attacked by netizens, who claimed to have deeper reasoning for the targeted hate.
In February 2023, HnA Entertainment prepared for the debut of its six-membered boy group, IB147, with a pre-debut single titled Over Shock.
As the group prepared for more activities, they shared content on social media, including the usual things K-Pop idols post, like selfies. On May 10, member Yoonsang did just this, sharing photos of himself outside.
Unexpectedly, the tweet received over 10,000 quote tweets, earning over 9.6 million views despite the account’s small following. It was discovered that most of these tweets insulted his appearance.
What is wrong with this world? The “average” for girl groups keeps getting better and better but for boy groups… Get some work done or lose some weight or something. Like, work harder to be better.
— Netizen comment
The source of the hate was discovered to be a tweet that claimed their friend had been bullied out of the group by the other members, which was denied by the company in a statement.
@@@@@@얘들아 이 그룹 내 친구한테 자적자 시전하고 왕따시켜서 퇴사하게만든놈들임 심지어 친구가 센터였음ㅋㅋㅋ
@@@@퍼날해달래 공계도 ㄱㅊ https://t.co/M2p3R5fF9F
— 묭 (@myong_3KSH) May 13, 2023
The pre-debut group went on to release another single titled “Burning Moth” in September of that year and adding a member in November. The seemingly focused their activities in Japan, holding fan meeting events in December and January 2024.
It was after these events that it was announced that member Zen would depart from the group.
Despite this, it seemed like the group would continue to prepare for their “official debut,” holding events in Japan in February and March of 2024, as well.
However, since early April, there has been no activity on any of the group’s official accounts. At the same time, each of the members created personal Instagram accounts, with Kyul‘s first post stating that “Every end is new beginning.”
Despite this seemingly pointing to their potential disbandment, it seems as though the group might be planning something as Yoonsang has hinted at music activities on his Instagram account.
Only time will tell if IB147 will make an official debut in Korea after the hate Yoonsang saw early on in their careers.
