In a music industry teeming with collaborations and remixes, K-pop sensation ATEEZ recently found themselves at the center of a storm following their latest release, "WORK. Pt.2."

The remix, featuring Dutch DJ Don Diablo, was poised to be a thrilling follow-up to their comeback album, "GOLDEN HOUR : Part.1" and its titular track, "WORK."

However, excitement quickly turned to controversy as fervent fans, known as ATINYs, voiced their discontent over Don Diablo's alleged ties to Zionism.

The DJ's past performance in Tel Aviv, Israel, and his expressions of fondness for the city ignited a firestorm of criticism among those who support Palestinian rights.

The timing of the backlash couldn't be more charged, with tensions in the region already running high.

Reports of escalating violence and casualties in the Gaza Strip have brought renewed attention to the longstanding Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

According to recent figures, the death toll in Gaza has surpassed 36,000, with over 80,000 Palestinians suffering injuries or displacement.

The death toll in Gaza has surpassed 36,000 since the war began. At least 36,050 people have been killed and 81,026 injured in Gaza since the war started, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants but says the majority of the dead are women and children.🔥

— Ldav (@Ldav817255) May 27, 2024

READ MORE: ATEEZ San Shocks ATINYs With Amount Of Unread Messages In Phone - But Fans Are Concerned For THIS Reason   

Zionism, a political ideology advocating for the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine, has been a lightning rod for controversy.

Critics argue that Israel's policies towards Palestinians constitute apartheid, a charge vehemently denied by Israel and its allies.

India selling 'killer drones' to Israel.
Human rights activists and defense analysts say the drone deal highlights India's growing complicity in Israel's policies towards the Palestinians pic.twitter.com/m47SEqBD2q

— Anna Boylon (@AnnaBoylon) February 13, 2024

Nevertheless, prominent voices in the international community, including human rights organizations, have leveled accusations of apartheid against Israel.

In response to Don Diablo's association with Zionism, a grassroots movement among ATINYs has emerged, calling for a boycott of the collaboration.

Atiny! This is an official call to action! We are BOYCOTTING this remix! Don Diablo has shown support for Israel and that's NOT OKAY!

Please take time to email KQ about this! If anyone is willing to make a template (in eng and kor) I can link it below after I review it! -🧸 https://t.co/lCFTQYg8X0

— Atiny for Palestine (@tinys4palestine) June 5, 2024

Social media platforms have been inundated with hashtags such as #KQDivestFromZionism, #kpop4palestine, and #goldenhourforpalestine, reflecting a groundswell of support for Palestinian rights within the fandom.

Boycott this appearance and make your voice heard!!! -🧸 #KQdivestfromzionism #Kpopdivestfromzionism #ateez #goldenhourforpalestine

— Atiny for Palestine (@tinys4palestine) June 6, 2024

One ATINY, @dulcenocandy, expressed disappointment with the collaboration, stating, "With Ateez's messaging being about resistance and rising against oppression, this collaboration is disappointing to say the least."

The sentiment underscores the clash between artistic expression and political beliefs that often arises in the realm of entertainment.

ATINY! Fyi, with the new JP comeback announcement, we’ll want to continue boycotting UMS in solidarity with Palest1ne! 🫶🍉🇵🇸🕊️ i know we want to support our ATEEZ, but this business decision is NOT it!! UMS/UMG is a zionist organization and we do not want to fund gen0c!de #ATEEZ pic.twitter.com/N5fXHfPSWP

— Teegs 🍮 (@SanniesTeegie) January 13, 2024

As ATEEZ navigates the fallout from their collaboration with Don Diablo, the controversy serves as a reminder of the complexities inherent in the global reach of K-pop and the responsibilities that come with wielding such influence.

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KpopStarz owns this article.
Written by Cassidy Jones.