From being members of legendary boy groups BIGBANG and Super Junior, Seungri and Kangin are now just being blurred out on broadcast about K-pop idols. In response, some internet users expressed their mixed emotions for "erasing" the traces of the once-loved idols.
In Mnet's "MAMA: THE ORIGINAL K-POP AWARD-MAMA LEGEND ARTIST," which aired on November 4, Super Junior and Psy's performance in the biggest music awards ceremony was re-examined.
In the broadcast, the two acts narrated the behind-the-scenes of their legendary stages and revealed the emotions that they felt at that time.
However, the broadcast also received mixed reactions after blurring out the faces of Seungri and Kangin, who were once well-loved in the K-pop industry as members of BIGBANG and Super Junior, respectively.
Kangin and Seungri Appear in 'MAMA LEGEND ARTIST' Broadcast with Mosaic on Their Faces - Here's Why
In the broadcast, Super Junior members Leeteuk, Eunhyuk and Yesung recalled their memories of performing "Sorry Sorry" as a group on stage with more than 100 dancers at the MAMA and receiving Daesang (Grand Prize.)
"I was particularly nervous at that time. I was more nervous because I finished my acceptance speech, which is what Leeteuk always does. It was a time when the " Hallyu Wave" became very big. I think K-pop was in a period of revival. I wanted to convey a message to promote Korean culture or music," Eunhyuk said, conveying his emotion after receiving the "Album of the Year" award in 2012.
During the broadcast, Super Junior's previous clips were shown, but it was noticeable how Kangin's face was blurred out.
In particular, Kangin left the group in 2019 after being embroiled in various controversies such as assault and drunk driving. Although he already spent years on self-reflection, some fans still expressed negative comments about him.
Along with Kangin, Seungri, a former BIGBANG member, had his face also blurred out when the group appeared on Psy's video.
In the video dated back in 2015, BIGBANG was caught in the camera along with Psy and Joo Yoon Bal (Chow Yoon Fat) legendary "Gangnam Style" stage.
However, Seungri, who was also present at that time, was blurred out. In 2019, Seungri also withdrew and retired in the entertainment industry after being caught in the "Burning Sun" controversy.
Seungri was tried on nine charges: prostitution, prostitution mediation, sexual violence punishment law, law on the aggravated punishment of specific economic crimes (abortion), occupational embezzlement, food hygiene law, habitual gambling, violation of foreign exchange transaction law, and a teacher of special assault.
ALSO READ: Seungri Appeals Against 3-Year Prison Sentence, Military Discharge Currently on Hold
Fans Expressed Disappointment to Mnet for Blurring Out the Former Idols' Faces
In response, fans who are still supporting the two former idols expressed frustration on how Mnet blurred out their faces.
In particular, this is not the first time that Mnet put a mosaic on the faces of idols who were involved in a scandal or controversy.
In fact, in 2021, fans of B.I expressed anger when Mnet also blurred out the singer's face when they flashed previous videos of iKON where he was in. B.I's gallery then sent an email to the broadcasting channel to express their concerns.
As a response, "We will try to reflect the opinions as much as possible," Mnet shortly said.
Although the statement is vague for K-pop fans, most internet users speculated that it could be related to the copyrights issue why idols who withdrew from their former groups were being blurred out.
What are your thoughts about this issue? Comment down!
READ MORE: SM Entertainment Slammed for Greeting Super Junior Kangin Happy Birthday
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Written by Eunice Dawson
