[T/W: Mentions of bullying, school violence, death, suicide]
K-netz and international fans are discussing if it's acceptable to consume content from K-pop idols with bullying controversies.
Here's what people are saying.
Is Consuming Content from K-pop Idols with Bullying Allegations Makes One an Accomplice?
On October 16, a netizen established an open discussion titled, "People consuming from celebrities with school violence allegations are also accomplices vs. it's not."
The author then followed up a screenshot of news articles, which displayed Hyunjin of Stray Kids and Kim Garam, a former member of LE SSERAFIM.
However, after finding her body, the woman was identified as Pyo Hye Rim. The YouTuber was rushed to the hospital, but unfortunately, she was pronounced dead.
Earlier on the same day (October 10), before her death, Pyo Hye Rim posted a video recounting her experiences with bullying in her school days, from elementary school to high school. The YouTuber also filed a petition with the Blue House to abolish laws that protect school bullies.
First Claim: Fans Who Consume Content or Defend Accused Idols Are Accomplices
In the forum, netizens concluded that fans who consume content from idols accused of school violence are accomplices.
- "The fact their fans start getting defensive to shield them every time they get called out makes them accomplices."
- "I don't think they're accomplices, but they are secondary perpetrators."
Second Claim: Fans Who Attack Victims Are Also Accomplices, While Others Are Bystanders
However, some netters stated that fans who attack victims and defend the accused are the real accomplices, while fans who remain quiet are bystanders. Here's what they said:
- "The fans who shield them and follow up secondary assaults on the victim are accomplices. The fans who are just fans are bystanders."
- "Seeing how some flood messages towards the victims, then they're accomplices."
- "Those who are idle are bystanders. Those who shield them are accomplices."
- "Consuming their content makes you more of an enabler than an accomplice. You're an accomplice if you defend them and attack the victim online."
Others were baffled as to why some fans defend their favorite idols despite sustaining bullying accusations.
- "I do find it odd seeing how people defend these bullies. Many people have ended their lives for being bullying victims, and you support them? Gross."
- "International fans are the first ones to defend them because they've never experienced Korean school violence. They don't take these victims seriously."
What are your thoughts on this? Tell us in the comments below.
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IN OTHER NEWS : THIS SM Trainee's Bullying History Exposed Online - Here's What You Didn't Know About His School Days
