During the KCON LA 2023, held from August 18th to 20th, the K-pop icon Rain suffered from an embarrassing "black ocean" and the "boycott" was allegedly triggered for THESE 2 reasons.
Rain Receives 'Black Ocean' During KCON LA 2023
From August 18th to 20th, the KCON LA 2023 was held in Los Angeles featuring various stars, including SHINee Taemin, IVE, CRAVITY, NMIXX, MONSTA X Shownu X Hyungwon, and many more.
Among the performers, the legendary idol Rain was announced to join the Saturday performance, but rather than rave reviews for his stellar performance, the icon was met with shocking reactions from the viewers.
ALSO READ: 'Wasted Talent': 5 Proofs Ciipher Could've Been Bigger If They Were Under Better Management
On that day, Rain performed one of his hits, "Rainism," but compared to the spectators' reactions to other performing artists, the icon received deafening silence after his stage.
He also experienced a "black ocean," where most of the fandoms decided to turn off their lightsticks for the idol.
2 REASONS Rain Suffered 'Black Ocean' from KCONers
When the videos of photos from Rain's performance circulated online, a lot were surprised to see that almost no one cheered for the star.
This sparked debate among netters and fans in SNS and online communities, and the first reason viewers gave Rain the cold shoulder was due to his alleged mistreatment of Ciipher. The rookie group, which debuted in 2021, was produced by Rain following MBLAQ. But on August 9, his company announced that four members are leaving the team, and Ciipher will reorganize as a trio.
Fans complained that it was only just two years and five months since their debut, but due to alleged mistreatment and lack of promotions, the team is as if they are disbanding.
It has come to the point that Ciipher even found another way to promote themselves by joining survival programs, such as "Boys' Planet" and "Fantasy Boys."
In response, overseas fans pointed out Rain's attitude, saying:
- "Disbanding after two years and five months since their debut, Rain as a producer is irresponsible."
- "Ciipher is on the verge of disbanding, but Rain is still performing."
It seems like the K-pop fandoms present at the event demonstrated a "boycott" against Rain by not responding enthusiastically on the K-CON stage and turning off their lightsticks.
The second reason is Rain allegedly being insensitive with his song selection. On that day (August 18 local time), the first hurricane warning was issued in California, USA and because of Rain's "Rainism" stage, a lot of viewers were inevitably reminded of the hurricane.
In response, overseas fans insisted on SNS that they should have paid attention, saying:
- "I am disappointed with Rain's selection."
At this point, not only domestic fans but also overseas fans are showing regret by turning their backs on Rain's "Don't Know" attitude, a producer who is obligated to take responsibility for this.
READ MORE: RAIN Faces Massive Criticism After 4 Members Left Ciipher: 'Some people aren't fit to be CEO'
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