K-pop, despite the dark side, surely brought happiness to every K-pop fan through their favorite K-pop groups. Many K-pop enthusiasts had confessed how idols and their music saved them, as well as their contents as a group and interactions to fans that make their days magnificent and complete.
But just like any other relationship, fans with their idols are not exempted from experiencing sad and unfortunate events that will break your heart. However, these events didn't intend the fandom and the group to fall apart, but it rather made their relationship stronger.
1. SHINee Jonghyun's Sudden Passing
In 2017, Shining SHINee and their fandom SHINee World experienced one of their darkest times, and that's when Jonghyun left the world. It was so sudden and the fandom was just celebrating after hinting their upcoming comeback.
The whole music industry mourned for the poet and artist, who will remain unforgettable. In 2018, the K-pop group continued to hold their concert tour in Japan, wherein they seek for healing and comfort with the whole fandom, as they perform a song with five microphones and red roses, playing Jonghyun's voice in the background.
2. Woojin Withdrawal from Stray Kids + Sexual Assault Controversy
One of the painful events for STAYs was seeing Hyunjin and the members cry and talk about their feelings after the departure of Woojin at a concert. Also, several fans had a broken heart when Bang Chan posted an apology letter for Woojin's contract termination and not being able to maintain their "NINE or NONE" promise.
A year later, the pain and an empty spot for Woojin was still there, not until the fandom experienced another heartbreak, which is the involvement of Woojin to a sexual assault controversy. Fans felt betrayed and frustrated for supporting him. Netizens believed that this could be the real reason why he left the group.
3. EXO Transition from 12 to Nine + EXO Crying During MNET Asian Music Awards (MAMA)
Aside from the painful withdrawal of three Chinese members Luhan, Tao, and Kris due to various circumstances that include health, contract, and mistreatment issues, EXO strived harder to promote as a nine-membered band. EXO managed to reach their career's peak, winning back to back awards, breaking records, and more.
However, one of the most heartbreaking moments with EXO-Ls was seeing EXO cry due to the MAMA incident. Fans who were at the event stated that EXO-Ls were mistreated by MNET's staff. EXO came to know about this. To make the scenario worse, despite meeting the criteria and winning the votes needed for every category, EXO lost to other groups and brought home only one major award.
When EXO-Ls demanded the staff to treat them better, they were pushed using barricades and several got hurt. The group came to know what was happening and when they received the award for "Album of The Year," members were seen trying to hold their tears, but Chanyeol and others burst out later on.
4. When BLACKPINK Jennie said, "I want to improve and change so you guys will be proud of me again."
Jennie, despite being one of the most popular K-pop idols in the music and fashion industry, suffered tons of hate. Her "YG Princess" aura is seen negatively by other people, accused her of being "lazy," "arrogant" and even of being pregnant!
However, BLINKs were hit differently when Jennie says, "I want to improve as well as change so you guys will be proud of me."
Fans speculated that Jennie knew the criticisms she was getting, but little did the antis and haters know, Jennie was actually suffering from panic attacks, hyperventilation, and knee injury.
However, despite all of these, she still managed to give her best, and her sweetest smile to everyone---breaking the heart of the whole fandom.
5. BTS Confessing That They Almost Disbanded
During MAMA 2018 in Hongkong, BTS made ARMYs (fandom of BTS) burst into tears, as Jin revealed that they almost disbanded in the same year. Fans were then shocked by the confession.
With their immense success and popularity, fans and netizens assumed that the pressure, the fear of letting their fans down, mental health, fatigue, and excessive attention, losing loved ones, etc. could be some of the factors why they considered parting ways.
Nevertheless, their undying love and passion for music as well as support from ARMY's keep them going leading them to become stable and successful music artists.
6. iKON Hanbin's Withdrawal from the Group
iKON was in the prime year of their career following the popularity of "Love Scenario" around the globe-when Hanbin was accused of drug use. Following the controversy, Hanbin was said to be kicked out by YG Entertainment and the idol confirmed his departure from the group as well, without even clearing his name.
Fans, especially iKonics were angry and disappointed that B.I (Hanbin) was forced to leave the group as they believed that he was innocent. The whole fandom was broken-hearted, signing various petitions to bring him back. In 2020, B.I was cleared from all of his charges.
ALSO READ: Fans Overjoyed To Hear About B.I's Good Deeds After Drug Controversy
7. MONSTA X Wonho's Departure from The Group
It was right after their comeback when Wonho suddenly left the group due to accu
sations of being delinquent, illegal drug use and purchase, and having a huge debt from his former friend.
Monbebes were truly heartbroken, seeing the reactions of his co-members and begging him to stay. However, Wonho said in his departure letter the words, "I don't want to see MONSTA X drift because of me." In 2020, he was cleared from all of his charges as well.
Though fans hope that he could join the group again, he decided to push his solo career as a singer.
RELATED: Wonho to Hold First-Ever Online Concert With LiveXLive Media
