In an online community, netizens accused K-Media of "media playing" ILLIT using NewJeans.
Here's what they're saying.
K-Media Accused of Media Playing ILLIT Using NewJeans
ILLIT is taking the internet by storm, as they are one of the most highly anticipated K-pop debuts this 2024. The girl group was formed through "R U Next?," a survival reality show that aired from June 30, 2023, to September 1, 2023, on JTBC.
On March 25, ILLIT, composed of members Yunah, Minju, Moka, Wonhee, and Iroha, finally debuted with their first mini album "Super Real Me" and its catchy title track "Magnetic."
Many fans raised their support for the girl group, and many have expressed their excitement for what's to come. However, some netizens weren't happy with ILLIT's reception.
On March 28, netters gathered in an online community, titled, "I'm Disgusted With The Way ILLIT is Media Playing Using NewJeans."
OP shared several captions from outlets that referred ILLIT as NewJeans' "younger sister group." The author then elaborated the similarities of the groups, including their concept and choreography.
Translation: "NewJeans' younger sister group ILLIT, shocking real-life fancam. The ILLIT members on their way to a radio schedule."Translation: "NewJeans' younger sister group's hot debut! ILLIT's Magnetic."
"The concept of NewJeans is subtly copied and both domestic and international fans are talking about it. Their choreography even looks like NewJeans' and LE SSERFAIM's to the point where people wonder if they're trying to target them.
Despite being older on average, they're being media-played as the younger sister group of NewJeans.
Even though they're from the same label, the producers are different, yet they shamelessly imitate the successful girl group's unique concept and skills, aiming to gain attention and ride on their popularity.
Fans are vehemently denying any similarities, but in every comment section related to ILLIT, there are talks in Korean, English, and Japanese about NewJeans. So, you guys are still claiming that this wasn't done on purpose?"
Here's how fans reacted to the claims:
"They are ENHYPEN's little sisters, what NewJeans' little sisters?"
"Agree. NewJeans' little sisters will be made by Min Heejin and will debut under ADOR. They are really trying to use all means to make them famous. I'm getting turned off."
"And they are the ones going around hating on NewJeans."
"ILLIT and RIIZE are both cheap copies of NewJeans."
"They are trying to attack since there were talks about them being the NewJeans' dupes. the survival show flopped so they are trying to gain recognition."
"It's not like ILLIT chose their own concept lol. Also, I feel like ILLIT's concept is "brighter" than NewJeans concept. But we can't deny their concept is highly influenced by them."
"I mean when new jeans debuted, the media kept referring to them as 'BTS's younger sister' so this narrative isn't really surprising."
"Any NewJeans fan complaining just screams hypocrisy."
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