Following the announcement of Red Velvet Irene's solo reality show, K-pop fans expressed divided opinions and her past attitude controversy was once again brought up. Here's what happened.
Red Velvet Irene to Launch Solo Reality Show 'Irene's Work & Holiday'
On July 25, the Korean streaming platform seezn announced that Irene started filming for her first solo reality program, "Irene's Work & Holiday."
The show, which will premiere on August 4, features Irene going on vacation with her close friends and staff she has been with since the beginning. The online video service (OTT) hinted that the program will show two sides of the idol: Irene's side and Bae Joo Hyun's side (real name).
"From the image of Red Velvet Irene to the image of Bae Joo Hyun, a human being who went on vacation with "real friends" who have been with her since her debut.
In Irene's 'Work & Holiday,' Irene's ambition is to show her honest passion and sincerity for her daily life and work."
The official press release by seezn also stated:
"Please look forward to Bae Joo Hyun's comfortable and unpretentious appearance on vacation with her real-life staff who have been with her schedule and daily life for about seven to eight years since her debut."
Red Velvet Irene's Reality Show Draws Mixed Reactions
As soon as the news was released, fans expressed their excitement. Aside from this will be Irene's first solo show since her debut, this will also mark her first solo appearance in a broadcast after a long time.
People are looking forward to what charm and personality Irene will show, which fans and viewers still don't know about her.
Sadly, some raised their brows against the show's concept.
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According to the news, Irene is set to have a vacation trip with her close staff. People then started to claim that Irene plans to reform her image following her attitude controversy.
In 2020, The "Feel My Rhythm" singer earned the public's ire after it was revealed she exhibited power abuse to a staff member.
At that time, a magazine editor in charge of the photoshoot, revealed that she was verbally abused by a female idol. Shortly after the "blind item," Irene came clean, admitted her fault and apologized.
Following the controversy, Irene went radio silent until the end of 2020. She had self-reflection until January 2021.
Irene's image fell significantly because of this issue, which backfired and caused her to have no individual advertisements and activities. Now, people theorize that they are trying to find a way to restore her image through the upcoming reality show.
With her comeback to the music industry, Irene bowed to fans and netizens and remained silent amid criticism.
With the negative responses, fans are hoping that haters will give Irene a chance to prove that she turned over a new leaf and get to know her more according to her close friends and staff's perspectives.
Meanwhile, "Irene's Work & Holiday" will be released through seezn every Thursday and Friday at 6 pm KST from August 4, and anyone can watch it for FREE, regardless of carrier.
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Written by Eunice Dawson
