Following demands for Sitala to be removed from the upcoming girl group H1-KEY, the group's agency GLG has issued a statement addressing the controversy surrounding the Thai member and her family.
Keep on reading to know more.
Fans Demand Sitala's Removal From Upcoming Girl Group H1-KEY
Beginning in late November, Grand Line Group (GLG) unveiled all four members of their upcoming girl group, H1-KEY, which included Yel, Riina, Seoi, and their only foreign and Thai member Sitala.
Following the debut lineup reveal, many fans expressed their excitement for another Thai making their debut as a K-Pop idol. However, anticipation for Sitala's debut quickly died down after fans discovered her family background.
In particular, it was brought to light that Sitala's father, the late actor Sarunyu Wongkrachang, was a supporter of the military coup dictatorship that happened in Thailand back in 2014 - the same coup that brought numerous riots and protests in the country through the years.
With Sitala having expressed her father as her role model, she was accused of supporting Thailand's dictatorship, and a call to remove her from the H1-KEY ensued.
READ MORE: H1-KEY Sitala's Upcoming Debut Faces Backlash After It Was Discovered Her Family Supports Dictatorship
GLG Issues Statement Regarding H1-KEY Sitala's Debut Following Controversy
On December 8, KST, H1-KEY's agency, issued a statement regarding the ongoing controversy surrounding Sitala.
GLG apologizes to those who have been hurt regarding the issue and sincerely wishes for the peace and well-being of Thailand. The agency explains that they have taken into account the history, politics, economic structure, and social context of Thailand, as well as Sitala's issue itself.
With that, they have come to the conclusion that such reasons cannot be grounds for Sitala's removal from the group, given that she was a minor at the time and chose her father as her role model for having worked as an actor and director - not due to his political background.
GLG asks for fans' support so that Sitala's efforts to debut would not be in vain.
Read GLG's full statement here:
"Hello. This is GLG (Grand Line Group), the agency of H1-KEY.
First of all, GLG bows its head and apologizes to those who have been hurt and have suffered in connection with this matter. In addition, we sincerely wish for the peace and well-being in Thailand.
We had to take into account the various aspects of the controversies related to H1-KEY's member Sitala and her deceased father, which took place in Thailand, such as the history, politics, economic structure, and social context. We had to be cautious as it was very difficult for us to fully understand and respond to the situation.
From the moment we acknowledged the concerns and requests of Thai citizens to the moment we are writing this statement, GLG dedicated to looking into the past deeds of Sitala's deceased father, the influence her father had on Sitala, who was a minor at the time, and the growth of Sitala today. As a result, GLG has come to the conclusion that we cannot penalize Sitala for reasons such as the actions of her deceased father. This is because, unless there are special circumstances, it was judged that it would be excessive of us to allow Sitala to take responsibility for actions that were beyond her own scope. Therefore, there will be no member changes due to this. Also, it is clear that Sitala chose her father as her role model having in mind her father as the head of the family, who is also an artist who worked as an actor and director for a long time, not because of her father's political career.
Now, Sitala is looking back at herself, and is deeply hurt by the controversy and current situation in her home country that had grown too large. In addition, this incident has allowed us to face the reality of Thailand more accurately.
The Sitala we have seen is a very polite and sincere person, who is proud of her homeland Thailand, and sincerely cherishes and loves Thailand's culture, historical heritage, and its people. She has always pointed out that she wants to raise Thailand's national prestige and give back to the people as one of her goals for success. We earnestly ask for your support so that Sitala's efforts are not in vain and that she can repay her beloved Thailand in any way.
GLG also promises to take this incident as an opportunity to take a closer look at the love and concerns of fans at home and abroad.
Once again, we wish for the peace and well-being in Thailand."
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Written by Robyn Joan
