"Do they think they're on the same level as BTS?" Recently, a video became a hot topic after Korean reporters were caught "trash talking" about fromis_9 during a photo op. Keep on reading for all the details.

Video Caught K-Journalists 'Bad-Mouthing' fromis_9 for Not Their Removing Masks

On July 9, an internet user took to the online community Nate Pann to open the discussion about how Korean reporters criticized fromis_9 during photo wall time.

In the now-deleted video posted by a Korean media outlet, reporters at that time were accidentally heard venting their frustrations to fromis_9 for not giving them good fan service due to their masks.

Based on the clip which was transcribed by fans, the reporters said:

"Argh. they have masks on"

"Are they just going to go in like that?"

"Don't stand there and just go!!"

"They look so indifferent."

The journalists were disappointed that the members wore masks since they couldn't take good photos and videos of their faces.

On top of that, the K-reporters criticized fromis_9 for not doing fan service such as "aegyo" (cute acts). They compared them to VIVIZ, who made a lot of entertaining gestures despite having their masks on.

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"They should have done something entertaining just like VIVIZ."

"I know, right."

"VIVIZ was entertaining; they even did aegyo."

Another thing that frustrates the reporters is that fromis_9 has been doing it for three weeks. Some reporters expressed that the group was acting like they were at the same level as top-tier team BTS, their senior group, and co-HYBE artists.

"No, but they've been going to Music bank consecutively like that for three weeks?

"They know it and still act like that all the time. *sigh*."

"Do they think they're BTS?"

"Yeah, they're a girl group at the level of BTS (sarcastic tone)."

"mood killers *cursing*"

As if badmouthing the group is not enough, one reporter forced fromis_9 to remove their mask to give a greeting.

"Okay, please remove your mask and give us a simple team greeting."

However, fromis_9 also firmed their decision not to remove the mask, and Saerom, the leader of the group, replied:

"(We will do it) next week."

K-Reporters 'Trash Talking' About fromis_9 Receives Divided Opinions

As soon as the post circulated on various online platforms, the reactions of internet users were divided.

Some netizens sided with the reporters and criticized fromis_9 for not removing their masks, even for a short time.

"Is it that hard to remove your masks for a few seconds? The reporters were not wrong."

Others also clarified that the reporters were not mad that they didn't remove their masks but rather the "not interested" atmosphere they gave off.

"Is it because they were apathetic? They were okay with VIVIZ not removing their masks because they were entertaining."

However, K-pop enthusiasts, especially Flover (fandom of fromis_9), criticized the reporters for being entitled, forcing the group to remove masks despite COVID-19.

"Huh? Isn't it their choice? Who do these journalists think they are?

"If they get corona, will all of you take responsibility for it?"

Fans also pointed out the double standards and commented:

"You were criticizing idols before for not wearing masks, and now you all are criticizing them?"

"You should praise them instead for not removing their masks."

What are your thoughts on this?

READ MORE: K-Media Reporters Under Fire for Forcing Red Velvet to Do THIS During Photo Op

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Written by Eunice Dawson