Fourth-Gen Girl Group Idol Slams Fans Who Leave 'Creepy' Comments: 'I'm A Human Too...'

A fourth-generation girl group idol has spoken out about the creepy comments she and her groupmates have received. Her words have sparked mixed reactions from Korean netizens.

The group ILY:1 has been emotionally stressed due to messages from some fans, sparking debates about the content of the messages and what crosses the line.

ILY: 1 member Ririka expressed her concerns through a communication app.

She expressed,

Is it okay to kidnap me? No, it isn't. Please stop writing such posts.

Jokes should not cross the line.

I'm begging you, please.

I see too many comments that cross the line these days. I'm a human too.

Sharing CCTV from the practice room is a bit much...

We need our privacy too.

These remarks have raised fans' concerns.

Netizens' reactions to Ririka's messages were mixed. Some believe the messages the girl group received were playful, and that the female idol was being overly sensitive. Others commented that she might not have caught on to the playful tone of the messages because she is a foreigner. For reference, Ririka is Japanese.

Some comments read,

• "The comments seem playful."
• "Maybe she doesn't understand that the messages are playful because she is a foreign member."
• "Isn't she taking this too seriously?"

On the other hand, some netizens sympathized with Ririka. They noted that she must have been scared of the messages and since she already expressed how she doesn't like these kinds of messages, then fans should stop sending them. Others understood Ririka's point, saying that the comments do cross the line.

Some comments read,

• "She must have been really scared and upset to write such a message."
• "If she said she doesn't want it, then don't send such messages."
• "If she says it's scary, then don't send it."
• "Those messages definitely cross the line."
• "Even playful messages need to have tact."
• "Playfulness should depend on the context."

Meanwhile, ILY:1's agency FC ENM stated on April 4 through the girl group's official channel, "Our artists are experiencing a lot of stress due to continuous messages on personal SNS and communication apps that induce fear and anxiety."

They requested fans refrain from sending such messages to the fans, stating, "We earnestly ask you to refrain from making comments that hurt the feelings of the artists, who wish to become closer and communicate more with the fans who always give them unwavering love."

Additionally, the agency asked for fans' cooperation and understanding to help build a healthy bond with the artists, emphasizing, "We are continuously monitoring to protect our artists and will do our best to ensure their safety."

ILY:1 is composed of members Ara, Ririka, Hana, Rona, Nayu, and Elva.

What do you think of the situation? Tell us in the comments below!

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Written by Alexa Lopez