EXO DO Faces Backlash for Being 'Greedy' — What Happened?

Amid EXO D.O.'s 3rd mini-album "BLOSSOM" release, the idol-actor was suddenly accused of being "greedy" for THIS reason.

On May 7, EXO D.O. returned as a soloist with a new album, comprising the title track, "Mars," simultaneously released on various music sites such as YouTube.

"BLOSSOM" contains his story of D.O.'s growth as a solo artist. There are five b-sidetracks that were included: "Simple Joys," "Popcorn," "Good Night," "My Dear," and "About Time."

To commemorate his comeback as a singer, D.O., who became the founder of his label, Company SooSoo, organized a pop-up café event at a large department store in Yeouido, starting on May 8 until the 14th.

Attending EXO-Ls can interact with other fans while enjoying coffee, beverages and desserts sold in the café. The event will also sell postcard sets, mini poster sets, acrylic keyrings, hand-painted keyrings, etc.

In addition to this, fans can get 1 out of 2 unreleased photocards if they buy products worth 50,000 KRW ($37).

While rave reviews praised the pop-up merchandise that is inexpensive compared to other idol goods, especially since the event is held in Yeouido, fans raised their brows after seeing the prices of the drinks.

In particular, EXO D.O.'s café event offered three signature drinks that are named after the songs from his album. "Good Night" is Americano, "Mars" is iced tea, while "Simple Joys" is a chocolate latte.

The price was set at 7,000 won per drink ($5), which is raising voices of dissatisfaction, mainly from a few netizens.

Netters who saw the menu mocked the idol for its expensive prices, even pricier than those from popular café brands.

Comments expressing uncomfortable feelings were noticeable, such as:

• "These days, a cup of Americano costs 7,000 won when there are more cost-effective coffees."
• "I guess it wasn't enough to sell the album."
• "Aren’t you too greedy for money?"
• "What a turnoff, ew. He's full of greed. The fact that he's not even giving it away but selling it for more expensive than other cafés."

EXO-Ls Defend EXO D.O. From 'Greedy' Accusations

When fans saw the criticism D.O. received after posting the price of drinks served in his pop-up café event, they were quick to defend the idol and stated that visitors should also consider the circumstances of the organizers.

It might seem easy for some, but organizing a café event at least takes several months to prepare. The idol must worry about paying the staff, space rental and product preparation, not to mention the quality and safety control they have to consider before proceeding with the actual event.

Rather than accusing D.O of being "greedy," fans want people to focus on the good intention of the idol, which is to give his fans a safe place to enjoy and celebrate his comeback together.

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Written by Eunice Dela Cruz