K-Netz Defend K-pop Idols from 'Starbucks' Issue Started by International Fans — Here's What Happened

From Jeon Somi to ENHYPEN Jake, K-pop idols who were seen promoting Starbucks were canceled by international fans. As a result, Korean netizens counterattacked and clarified "unreasonable" claims.

In October 2023, Starbucks was caught in flames after it was accused of supporting the genocide in Gaza after it filed a lawsuit against workers supporting Palestine, and the brand has been classified as "pro-Israel."

As a result, a massive boycott has been done by countries all over the globe, starting with the Arab world.

From Jeon Somi to ENHYPEN Jake: K-pop Idols Criticized for Supporting Starbucks

Amid the boycott, netizens, including K-pop fans have been keen-eyed about celebrities promoting the coffeehouse who often upload & post their photos with a cup of drink from the brand.

In December, Jeon Somi was massively called out when she was seen using a Starback's tumbler during her GRWM vlog. After suffering from malicious comments from overseas fans, Jeon deleted the video.

On January 5 then, ENHYPEN's Jake also drank Starbucks coffee on a live broadcast, and received complaints from overseas fans not to consume the drink.

ALSO READ: Jeon Somi's Biggest Fansites Close Down — Why Are They Disappointed With Idol?

In response, Jake put the drink in another cup and apologized: "I made a mistake. I'm sorry, it won't let it happen again."

In addition, idols such as BLACKPINK, SEVENTEEN, aespa, and Red Velvet, who were spotted consuming products from companies classified as "pro-Israel" such as McDonald's and Coca-Cola, are receiving indiscriminate malicious comments from international fans as well.

K-Netz Defend K-pop Idols From 'Unreasonable' Starbucks Controversy

When this issue reached the K-community, domestic netizens were quick to defend idols and clarified:

"Starbucks Korea has nothing to do with the controversy, as Shinsegae EMart Group has acquired 100 percent of its management control and is operating separately from the overseas Starbucks."

Although Korean K-pop fans are actively talking about this, there are still overseas fans who were leaving malicious comments.

As a result, some Korean netters counterattacked I-fans and questioned them why they can't boycott Japanese companies who also aided war crimes in the past.

Here are the comments of K-netizens:

• "It’s ridiculous that they don’t care about the use of products from Japanese companies that committed war crimes."
• "Is it because they’re just harassing K-pop idols by using domestic Starbucks that has nothing to do with their headquarters?”
• "We should just ignore this kind of nonsense. If you listen to what they say, you're likely to be bullied even more."
• "It has nothing to do with supporting Israel."

• "Don't force a boycott."
• "Why are you blaming the innocent K-pop idols?"
• "Some Southeast Asian fans are not mentally healthy. They can't criticize Japan."
• "I heard that Indonesian Starbucks is peaceful. Are K-pop idols the only easy target?"
• "Korean Starbucks is a Korean stake. I heard that dogs barking without knowing are the most violent."
• "They don't have the courage to go out and protest in front of Starbucks in their own country, they only do that to K-pop idols in every corner."

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Written by Eunice Dawson.