On May 3, a topic titled "ILLIT's Wonhee Prettier & More Innocent than Son Ye-jin" surfaced on the Korean forum 'theqoo,' sparking a massive discussion.
The topic referenced an article by Korean media site MK News, which delved into the comparison between ILLIT's Wonhee and renowned actress Son Ye-jin.
Public Outrage and Debate
The article's title, which directly compared Wonhee's beauty and innocence with Son Ye-jin's, quickly drew public outrage.
Many netizens expressed disbelief and anger, questioning the validity and intention behind such a comparison. The debate intensified as the topic gained over 60,000 views and attracted more than 700 comments on 'theqoo.'
READ ALSO : ILLIT Wonhee Trends For Natural Beauty In THESE Pre-Debut Photos - Is She Group's Main Visual?
HYBE's Role in the Debate
HYBE's involvement in the controversy also came under scrutiny.
Some netizens speculated that HYBE's promotion strategies, often referred to as "media play," may have crossed ethical boundaries by using Son Ye-jin's name in a manner that seemed inappropriate or exaggerated.
Netizens' Reactions
Netizens voiced their opinions on the matter, with some expressing disbelief at the audacity of the comparison. Quotes from the online discussion include:
- "Wow, HYBE must have spent a lot of money on this."
- "Using Son Ye-jin's name like this is just disrespectful."
- "There's no comparison between Wonhee and Son Ye-jin. This is absurd."
- "HYBE's tactics are questionable. Are they trying to generate controversy intentionally?"
- "This comparison is baseless and unnecessary. It only serves to create unnecessary drama."
Recently, ILLIT's Wonhee recently secured a coveted commercial deal with Pocari, a significant achievement in her budding career. Korean netizens applauded the decision, citing her suitability for the brand.
However, international audiences raised concerns about the perceived privilege associated with debuting under HYBE Entertainment, particularly in securing such opportunities early on.
This sparked debates about industry dynamics and the impact of affiliations on the competitive K-pop landscape. Wonhee's rapid solo deal with Pocari, just weeks after ILLIT's debut, fueled discussions about image building and the role of affiliations in the industry.
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Written by Cassidy Jones.
