Some felt it is hypocritical to use him as a meme.
Koreaboo
K-Pop idols are usually encouraged to stand up for themselves against those who disrespect them. For example, SEVENTEEN‘s Mingyu rejecting a fan’s request and promptly ending the call was universally praised.
SEVENTEEN’s Mingyu Hangs Up On Fan Asking “Inappropriate” Question During Video Call
However, recently, a popular idol’s pleas against an anti-fan were turned into something unexpected, sparking debate.
In mid-February, TREASURE‘s Hyunsuk dealt with an anti-fan who left nasty comments on his livestream. Instead of ignoring it, he spoke directly to them, telling them to continue because he didn’t mind it.
Yo, AISH. Go ahead, go ahead, go ahead. C’mon. Keep going! I personally don’t mind it, you know.
— Hyunsuk
He then asked that people don’t send comments like that to the other TREASURE members or any idol due to the harm it causes them. He explained that while these comments were short and anonymous for the commenter, they would stick with idols for longer.
Stuff like that… You think of it as a joke. Or you say it without thinking twice about it. Or you don’t think it’s a big deal because you’re an anonymous person behind the screen. Not a big deal, right? But honestly, for some people…? For artists? It will stay with them forever. Guys… Don’t do this to the members… No, actually, don’t do this to any artist, please!
— Hyunsuk
He was praised at the time for making this stand; however, days later, a clip of the idol was used for something entirely different.
Netizens began using part of the live where he expressed frustration as a meme, making up scenarios as a joke.
Me when someone asks who the greatest baroque German composer and musician of all time is pic.twitter.com/V87N4t44hm
— Emi JAKE COVER TOMORROW (@nonbyenary) February 26, 2024
when they ask me what’s gunwook surname pic.twitter.com/BO3QjiZQTf
— mui (@cutiepotato9000) February 27, 2024
Me when someone asks me what noise a chicken makes
pic.twitter.com/PWC4KRREjD— ᓚᘏᗢ (@oecyang) February 27, 2024
While idols are regularly turned into memes using their content, many felt that using a moment where Hyunsuk was being so raw and honest was wrong.
im sorry but can you guys please STOP using that CHOI HYUNSUK’s clip as a meme? it’s not a funny clip just for your information. especially to those who are not teume, stop using my boy’s clip as your content. it’s not funny at all. thanks.
— teha (@haruviss) February 27, 2024
it’s sad that hyunsuk was brave enough to stand up for all idols and called out toxic fans and now people are using that video as a “meme” and to use it against him and calling him all sort of names. y’all kpoppies are sick, you only care abt mental health when it’s ur favs
— cin 😛 (@sukluv3r) February 26, 2024
why do I see this Hyunsuk vid everywhere on my tl, it’s been like 2-3 days now?? y’all get a new meme and reuse it again and again 😭 especially since the clip in question is about a serious issue.. pic.twitter.com/dUrVaUenGz
— lau 🍁 ✴︎ (@sakaiparici) February 27, 2024
Hopefully, idols will still stand up for themselves against anti-fans, regardless of the outcome.
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