DPR LIVE Faces Massive Fan Backlash Amid Speculation of 'R U Next?' Group Name —What Went Wrong?

BELIFT Lab, the joint venture between HYBE Corporation and JTBC, is inching closer to the culmination of its ongoing survival show, "R U Next?".

As the anticipation grows, speculations about the debuting group's name have ignited discussions across social media platforms. Notably, HYBE has initiated the process of trademarking various names that are believed to be earmarked for their upcoming survival shows, adding fuel to the speculations.

Pattern Predictions vs. "CTYL" Reality

Drawing on the patterns observed from HYBE's previous survival shows, vigilant netizens initially speculated that the debut group's name might carry a question mark, aligning with the naming conventions of their past projects.

However, the rumored group name circulating now is "CTYL" - an abbreviation for "Coming To You Live." Social media accounts sporting this name have already been established, alongside a trademark application.

An observant netizen further highlighted that "CTYL Inc." shares its location with BELIFT Lab, potentially cementing this name association.

Although departing from the question mark trend, "CTYL" incorporates a distinctive punctuation mark, signaling a potential identity for the upcoming girl group.

The revelation, however, has left some "R U Next?" viewers feeling underwhelmed, particularly after their anticipation was primed by prior rumors, with many expressing a preference for the name "RUBYMOON."

Complicating matters further, netizens have pointed out an existing association of "CTYL" and "Coming To You Live" with another Korean music artist, DPR LIVE. DPR LIVE's debut album was aptly titled "Coming To You Live," while "CTYL" was used as the name for his 2018 tour.

Moreover, DPR LIVE's signature producer tag involves a male voice announcing "Coming to you live!" over an intercom. This pre-existing connection has prompted concerns over the adoption of a name that seems closely aligned with another artist's brand.

In response to this perceived overlap, some have raised the possibility of legal action, suggesting that DPR LIVE could potentially take legal steps against the use of a name so closely linked to his artistic identity.

Netizens' comments:

• "This is such an Ador name tho...like more intl? I think it might be for the Dream Academy thing since they're rushing it so much. It makes more sense cuz I don't think it's an easy name for knetizens to understand"
• "to any DPR fans pls know that we won't it to be happen as well, also there's actually a contestant named MINJU and her role model is IAN "
• "I feel like this would just be an account made for hybe artist vlogs and travels and snippets of pre concert/ practice while having a concert abroad/ overseas"
• Oh it's terrible I got attached to rubymoon"
• "Omgghh ! rlly luv this... It might be Wonhee's group nameeee"

However, contrasting opinions have emerged, arguing that while DPR LIVE utilizes the phrase extensively, it might not be trademarked in a way that would preclude its usage by others.

This perspective hinges on the notion that "Coming to you live" functions more as a producer tag rather than a formalized name or brand.

As the "R U Next?" journey inches toward its conclusion, the imminent revelation of the debuting group's name remains a subject of fervent debate and curiosity within both fan communities and the broader music sphere.

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Cassidy Jones wrote this.