SEVENTEEN's Joshua finds himself engulfed in a storm of backlash as fervent fans, known as CARATs, escalate their protest tactics to unprecedented levels.
The uproar was triggered by the emergence of dating rumors involving the idol, with some fans alleging that Joshua has deceived them with his social media posts and actions.
Alleged Dating Rumors of SEVENTEEN Joshua Ignite Unprecedented Fan Fury and Demand for Accountability
Since the initial reports of the dating allegations surfaced, Joshua has become the epicenter of an explosive controversy that has seized the attention of the K-Pop community.
A faction of loyal CARATs has taken an aggressive stance, accusing Joshua of betraying their trust and "playing them for fools" through his "lovestragrams" and other seemingly romantic gestures.
In recent weeks, the dissenting CARATs had been organizing protests by sending moving trucks bearing messages of their dissatisfaction to the HYBE building.
Joshua's Fans Roll Out Porsches in Public Shaming in South Korea Protest
The agitation reached an alarming peak on August 14, when these fans elevated their tactics to an entirely new level.
Rather than confining their demonstrations to one location, they dispatched a fleet of trucks, including three Porsches, to strategic points around South Korea, including the SM Entertainment building.
These extravagant measures were aimed at publicly "shaming" Joshua before both his peers and industry entities.
The Porsches, rented specifically for this protest, underscored the speculation that Joshua might have gifted a Porsche to his alleged girlfriend, intensifying the fans' ire.
Each truck was equipped with blaring speakers that broadcasted their messages in multiple languages, demanding that Joshua "return the fans' money."
One truck specifically lambasted Joshua for alleged lip syncing during performances, accusing him of losing his initial passion and cheating fans.
Another vocalized fans' frustrations over perceived on-stage mistakes, urging for his expulsion from the group.
Netizens, too, weighed in with impassioned comments that ranged from frustration to disappointment.
Some chastised Joshua for not sharing in the fans' embarrassment, while others denounced him for purportedly manipulating their emotions and betraying their trust.
Angry CARATs Shared Two Cents on Alleged Dating
Amidst the cacophony, netizens took to online platforms to voice their own opinions.
Some questioned whether the fans should be the ones embarrassed, while others decried Joshua's alleged insincerity and perceived lack of accountability.
Read their comments below:
- “You’re embarrassed of the fans? About what? We’re the ones that are more embarrassed. Joshua himself isn’t embarrassed, so why are the fans embarrassed? From the woman who bought 2,500,000 albums.”
- “The lovely HYBE staff are suffering because of Joshua who has no conscience. He tricked fans, and is so insincere about performing, he’s lost the right to become an idol. From the woman who bought 2,500,000 albums”
- “SEVENTEEN dreams about becoming the top of K-Pop? Sorry, but I can’t acknowledge Joshua for that the most. From the woman who bought 2,500,000 albums”
- “In the end this desperate smear campaign by the antis will fail. Seventeen together with Joshua will continue to thrive. The antis money will go to waste. Their sad protest trucks will be a laughing stock for years to come. And SVT will continue stronger than ever.”
- “Dude is 27! Let him live!”
- “imagine having this amount of money and instead of using it to do something useful or bring benefit to the world you use it to buy porsches to protest an almost 30 year old man nearly a decade into his career allegedly dating. leave joshua alone you freaks”
Despite the grand scale and intensity of this protest, the management company, Pledis Entertainment, has remained conspicuously silent on the matter.
It left fans to speculate about the potential consequences for Joshua and the group as a whole.
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Madison Cullen wrote this.
