In a recent clip capturing a brief exchange between aespa's NingNing and RIIZE's Shotaro during the KBS 2023 Music Bank Global Festival, the idol community is buzzing with mixed reactions.

The Viral Encounter

The incident occurred on December 15 during the festival, a prime opportunity for fans to witness interactions between idols from different groups. However, what might have been perceived as a friendly gesture between labelmates has stirred controversy.

On December 16, a netizen shared a short clip on a popular community site with the caption, "ningning's interaction with shotaro (ft. anton) during music bank global festival! " The video shows NingNing tapping Shotaro on his upper arm as the groups cross paths on stage, heading in opposite directions.

ningning’s interaction with shotaro (ft. anton) during music bank global festival! pic.twitter.com/0DtZPzA3h1

— 🌸 (@yizhuo1st) December 17, 2023

 Given the collaborative history between RIIZE and aespa, having performed together at the music festival, the gesture could be seen as a friendly exchange. Nevertheless, some criticized NingNing for what they deemed an overly "open" interaction, overlooking the unwritten "decorum" expected of K-Pop idols.

READ ALSO: aespa Ningning Spills the Shocking Reason Why She Can't Use Music Program Bathrooms- 'Normally I'm very shy...'  

Netizens' Reaction

Comments from critics included remarks like:

"The jealousy of women is so scary... If you're pretty, you can't act like that."
"Thinking from the point of view of RIIZE fans, greeting him while touching does feel like crossing a line. Was it really necessary? NingNing, please use your head a bit."
"NingNing is obsessed with boys."

However, a faction of netizens rushed to NingNing's defense, highlighting the potential misinterpretation of the situation:

"Looks like SM Entertainment's male idol fans are still delusional, thinking that female idols of the same label are after their oppas. I still remember what they did to Sulli and Taeyeon. History is really repeating itself."
"Isn't she just greeting him?"
"You can't even tell if she's actually 'holding' his arm, and yet you're all bashing NingNing. You guys are all insane, LOL. It's really annoying."

As the debate unfolds, the incident raises questions about the scrutiny and expectations placed on female idols, adding yet another layer to the ongoing conversation about idol interactions within the K-Pop industry.

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Cassidy Jones wrote this.