IST Entertainment Accused of Discriminating Against Own Artists — Here's What Happened
IST Entertainment has been accused of discriminating against its own artists after netizens noticed this.
Keep on reading to know more.
IST Entertainment Called Out for Allegedly Discriminating Against Own Artists
Recently on August 22, a post on the online community forum TheQoo entitled "The official account of a company that openly discriminates against its affiliated idols" has been garnering attention. The post has amassed more than 103,500 views in less than 12 hours.
In this post, the anonymous netizen highlights how a certain company, which has several artists signed under it, has been openly showing discrimination against its own artists through the posts they have on social media.
The company in question is IST Entertainment, formerly known as Play M Entertainment. Under IST Entertainment, signed artists include Apink, THE BOYZ, Weeekly, VICTON, and ATBO.
THE BOYZ
However, the netizen noticed that on IST Entertainment's social media account, they barely post anything about THE BOYZ.
The netizen then shared several instances in which IST Entertainment ignored THE BOYZ on Twitter, such as posting Apink CHOBOM, ATBO and Weeekly's music show performances, but not THE BOYZ's despite promoting at the same time.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: THE BOYZ Ju Haknyeon's Childhood Photo Draws Buzz for Resembling THIS Popular K-pop Idol
IST Entertainment doesn't promote THE BOYZ on social media
While IST Entertainment does post about THE BOYZ, it is not as often as the other groups.
The netizen also pointed out that the same situation can be found on IST Entertainment's Instagram account. Usually, the company would also share photos whenever their groups would make a comeback. However, THE BOYZ was somehow excluded from that as well.
IST Entertainment doesn't promote THE BOYZ on social media
Over on IST Entertainment's Instagram, netizens noticed that they would tease Apink CHOBOM, Weeekly, VICTON and ATBO's comeback. But THE BOYZ didn't have any photos on the company's social media despite making a comeback just recently on August 16 with their seventh mini album "Be Aware."
Netizens Criticize IST Entertainment for Lack of THE BOYZ Promotions
Upon seeing this, netizens couldn't help but criticize the company for disrespecting the boy group.
Some comments from netizens read:
"Even up to their last comeback, companies would post a bunch of choreography videos in the upcoming three to four days. But this time, there is just nothing... I do feel like something has changed as compared to before."
"Heol, they didn't even have a comeback showcase..."
"I didn't even know that The BOYZ had a comeback."
"Isn't THE BOYZ the ones with the biggest fandom in that company? Why are they doing this? I don't get it. But wasn't their hiatus due to their overseas concerts? I think I heard about it somewhere... anyways, I am not a fan, but from the perspective of someone who listens to their songs, their power was pretty good after 'Kingdom,' so it kind of feels like they were randomly put on a hiatus."
"But isn't THE BOYZ one of their most successful artists? Why are they like that?"
What are your thoughts on this?
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: 2022 The Fact Music Awards: First Lineup of Artists Revealed
For more K-pop news, follow and subscribe to KpopStarz.
KpopStarz owns this article.
Written by Robyn Joan
