Netizens are now calling for the removal of upcoming girl group H1-KEY's Thai member, Sitala, after it was discovered that her family is a supporter of Thailand's dictatorship.
Keep on reading to know more.
Grandline Group Introduces Upcoming Girl Group H1-KEY's Members
Grandline Entertainment (GRDL), which was founded by South Korean hip-hop duo Geeks (Lil Boi and Louie) back in 2010 and home to artists such as Stella Jang, Mckdaddy, and more, recently announced that they would be launching a sub-label called Grandline Group (GLG), with the label also sharing their plans to debut their first-ever girl group.
On November 18, they announced that their upcoming girl group will be called "H1-KEY," and subsequently launched the group's official social media accounts on the same day.
Beginning back on November 23, Grandline Group gradually unveiled the members of the upcoming girl group: Yel, Seoi, Riina, and Sitala, along with each member's profiles.
(clockwise from top left) Yel, Seoi, Sitala, Riina
According to Grandline Group, H1-KEY (pronounced as high-key) aims to showcase their confident and healthy beauty, as well as cultivate their inner strength and self-esteem.
Following the introduction of all four members, fans expressed their anticipation for the group and complimented their stunning visuals. They were also excited to have another Thai idol, Sitala, in the midst of K-Pop.
However, after further research on each of the members, netizens found a troubling family history with Sitala.
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Fans Demand Removal of H1-KEY Sitala from Group Following Family's Support for Thailand's Dictatorship
According to netizens, Sitala's father is the late Sarunyu Wongkrachang, a famous former actor, who is also known to actively participate in Thailand's politics.
In particular, fans have uncovered that Sitala's father was involved and had actively supported the military coup dictatorship in Thailand back in 2014, which later resulted in a series of riots, protests, and unrest throughout the years.
The issue was also fueled with the fact that Sitala had written her father as her role model in her artist profile. With that, Sitala has also been accused of supporting the dictatorship.
'My role model: My father, my papa'
Following this revelation, Thai K-Pop fans took to Twitter to express their clear opposition against Sitala's debut, and are demanding her removal from the group.
Netizens also began sharing the hashtag "#BanSitala" and "#BoycottSitala."
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"The problem a lot of Thais have with Sitala Wongkrachang has nothing to do with her artistry. It's the fact that she and her whole family openly supported military coups in Thailand which led to human rights violations, brutality, and deaths. And that is unforgivable. #BanSitala," user maetubtimgrob said.
The issue quickly spread to other online communities and became a hot topic. Not long after, Korean netizens have also shown their support to demand the removal of the Thai member from H1-KEY.
H1-KEY's label, Grandline Group, has yet to release a statement regarding the growing controversy.
Meanwhile, H1-KEY is slated to debut on January 5, 2022.
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Written by Robyn Joan
