Fans have called out agency Fantagio for its lackluster promotions of idol-actor Cha Eun Woo, who will be making his solo debut this February.
Here's the full story.
AROHAs Demand Proper Promotions for ASTRO Cha Eun Woo's Solo Debut, Fantagio Faces Backlash Online
Earlier on January 9, Korean news outlet SPOTV News reported that Cha Eun Woo will be making his official solo debut. The announcement caught the attention of Fantagio, who responded to the news and revealed the idol's ongoing album preparation.
"Cha Eun Woo is preparing for his first-ever solo album, which will be released in the first half of 2024," Fantagio shared. "He plans to unveil the album's songs for the first time at his first fan con, which will be held at Jamsil Indoor Stadium, on February 17."
On January 27, Fantagio released a brief statement, saying that Cha Eun Woo had reportedly filmed a music video with actress India Eisley in the United States. The agency also shared that the album would be released on February 15.
Afterwards, on February 2, Fantagio revealed that "ENTITY" would be the upcoming album's title, and was followed by a series of concept films, teaser images, and trailers. The announcement also led to an increase in hype, fueling the excitement of AROHAs.
However, fans were enraged with how Fantagio "lacked" the promotions for Cha Eun Woo. AROHAs pointed out that the singer's official SNS accounts still weren't updated with images that promote his debut. Some voiced concerns regarding the absence of pre-release links.
Cha Eun Woo isn't just a well-known singer-actor but is also one of South Korea's most prominent and influential figures. The "mismanagement" was a big deal for fans, since the idol has been exposed to the K-pop industry for some time since ASTRO's debut in 2016.
"CHA EUNWOO DESERVES BETTER" and the hashtag for "FANTAGIO respect CHAEUNWOO" both trended on social media platform X (Twitter), where fans slammed the agency for its lack of initiative.
❌Promo scheduler ✔️Film without context ❌ Tracklist ❌ Preorder post ✔️Concept Photo (only TW post) & Film (YT short) 1, 2 y 3 (same day) ❌Article focused on his album date, time & title track ❌SNS header update#FANTAGIOrespectCHAEUNWOOpic.twitter.com/33mWcLBThS
This is just ridiculous. EW's debut on feb 15, his 1st solo album and still no promotion!! There was no track list or even pre order link: SCANDALOUS!! Shame on you, Fantagio!
Where is all the promotion that Cha Eunwoo deserves as the person who feeds you? He deserves respect, dedication and promotion towards his album both as an artist and as a person for more than 8 years that he has been in that company.#FANTAGIOrespectCHAEUNWOOpic.twitter.com/UOPOQt3LeH
