Girls' Generation is being accused of "running away" by netizens after the girl group announced the cancellation of their appearances on music shows this week.
Keep on reading to know more.
Girls' Generation Cancels Music Show Promotions as Seohyun Tests COVID-19 Positive
Recently on August 5, Girls' Generation made their highly-awaited comeback as a whole group with the release of their seventh studio album "Forever 1." This marks the group's first release in over five years, as well as an album to commemorate the 15th anniversary since their debut.
As part of their promotions for their new album release, the eight Girls' Generation members would appear on music broadcasts to not only promote "Forever 1," but also perform their new songs and lead single of the same name.
Girls' Generation
However, on August 9, Girls' Generation announced the cancellation of their appearances on music shows for this week after member Seohyun tested positive for COVID-19.
According to a statement released by the group, Seohyun was diagnosed with the virus earlier that day, and had to halt all of her activities temporarily and is currently receiving treatment and rest.
As a result, the entire group also had to cancel their scheduled broadcast appearances, including Mnet's M Countdown on August 11 and SBS' Inkigayo on August 14. Their appearances on both of these shows would have also marked their first music show promotions as a group in five years.
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Girls' Generation Seohyun
Seohyun even took to her Instagram Stories to personally apologize to both her fellow members and fans for the news.
In her Instagram Stories, Seohyun wrote:
"SONEs (Girls' Generation's fandom), who must have waited for our promotions longingly more than anyone... and my [Girls' Generation] eonnies... I am sorry. I was healthy, so I didn't think I would get [COVID-19]... but in the end, I ended up catching it. I am really so disappointed and feel so sorry... I will recover quickly, so let's let in good health on the day of next week's music show!"
While Seohyun and the members' circumstances are understandable, it was met with mixed reactions from netizens.
Girls' Generation Accused of 'Running Away' After Cancelling Music Show Appearances
Over on the online community forum Nate Pann, a post announcing the cancellation of Girls' Generation's appearances on music shows this week was shared. The post has since then garnered more than 165,000 views since August 10.
Girls' Generation
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But for the netizens, they weren't too fond of Girls' Generation halting their promotions despite Seohyun contracting the virus.
Many have accused the group of taking this opportunity to "run away" from promoting on music shows, citing their "inability" to win first place as the reason. Others also stated that the group could still perform as seven members.
Some comments from netizens read:
"If they could win No.1, they would have performed even if they were only seven [members]."
"If it is just one person [missing], then they can still perform just fine. They are too obviously running away."
"You can see their intentions way too clearly here."
"SM [Entertainment] is known for running away if they cannot get the ending stage or have No.1. Even for EXO, ever since 2017, [BTS] stole all their Daesangs, so they sat out from awards ceremonies. Just look at how they have been skipping the ending in ceremonies like Gayo Daejeon and whatnot. They are freaking cheap."
However, there are also those defending the group, stating that Girls' Generation has 15 years of experience, so there is no reason for them to run away. Others also called out netizens who would criticize the group had they performed with one member less on music shows.
Not only that, but it only makes sense that all eight members perform together as it is their 15th debut anniversary.
What do you think of these accusations?
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Written by Robyn Joan
