(G)I-DLE Soyeon's past blunt comment to idol trainees once again became a hot topic online. This time around, she was praised for doing so. But why was she criticized for it at first?
Reason (G)I-DLE Soyeon Earned 'Villain' Judge Image from MBC's 'My Teenage Girl'
In November last year, Jeon Soyeon went viral in Korea after she joined MBC's "My Teenage Girl" as one of the judges. Her fans were excited to see how she would give support to participants, but the (G)I-DLE member's harsh, blunt way of giving remarks sparked discussions.
During the on-site evaluation team in the first broadcast, Soyeon received a huge reaction for commenting on the 2nd-grade trainee who performed Oh My Girl's "Nonstop," brutally and sarcastically.
"In fact, it was the worst performance I saw today that I couldn't even get angry."
ALSO READ: (G)I-DLE Soyeon Fires Back at Trainee Making Excuses During 'My Teenage Girl'
She then gave cool advice to the voters and viewers or field evaluation team, saying, "I think you should have pressed (the voting button) with such responsibility because it is a place to evaluate friends who work with dreams," raising sympathy with the hope of proper evaluation based on the trainees' "stage" rather than visuals.
As soon as the episode aired, Soyeon received mixed opinions. Although the majority praised her "spitting facts" and breaking the stereotypes of choosing visuals over talent, her strict approach didn't sit well with some viewers.
(G)I-DLE Soyeon Once Again Becomes Hot Topic After Explanation Why She Decided to Be the 'Villain' Judge
On Feb. 16 then, Soyeon broke the internet once again, but this time, not only domestic fans but as well as Japanese fans commended her for "harsh" comments to idol trainees.
The reason the "HWAA" singer made fans into a frenzy for her strict way of judging is after her appearance in KBS2's "Yoo Heeyeol's Sketchbook," which aired on Feb. 11. In the show, Soyeon confessed that it is actually her decision to become the "villain" judge in the show.
"I also debuted through Mnet's 'Produce 101,' so I understand their feelings and desperation. I'm getting a lot of emotional empathy," she said. For this same reason, she implied that rather than "sugar-coating" her words, she wanted to be remembered as a mentor who helped them out with her honest comments.
When Soyeon joined survival shows, she revealed that she would question other judges, thinking 'How can they didn't tell me this then,' which also became one of her motivations to provide insightful feedback when she finally sit down as a judge.
In response, Soyeon's remarks became memorable not only in Korea but also in Japan and other K-pop enthusiasts, especially her message to fans and evaluators that they needed "responsibility" rather than just voting. Her message to trainees to strengthen their willingness to practice with responsibility in their place was also lauded.
Meanwhile, the semi-final broadcast of the audition program "My Teenage Girl" which discovers and fosters global girl groups, will be broadcast simultaneously on MBC and Naver Now at 11 p.m. on Feb. 20.
READ MORE: SNSD Yuri Criticized for Eliminating Trainee Seung Eun For Her 'Visuals' Despite Being Talented in 'My Teenage Girl'
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Written by Eunice Dawson
