SEVENTEEN Joshua Faces Backlash Over Alleged Phone Distraction During Fan Call

In the whirlwind world of K-pop fandoms, interactions between idols and fans are cherished moments, often serving as highlights of an artist's career. However, a recent incident involving SEVENTEEN Joshua has sparked controversy and shed light on the complexities of fan interactions in the digital age.

On June 8, during an online fan call event following SEVENTEEN's latest comeback, Joshua found himself at the center of a storm of accusations.

A fan took to social media to express their frustration, claiming that Joshua seemed distracted by his phone during their conversation.

The fan's post quickly gained traction, fueling outrage among supporters who highlighted the substantial costs associated with participating in such events.

"I was talking about myself here, when he suddenly laughed while looking at the phone. Did I spend tens of thousands of dollars to watch you play on your phone?"

However, the narrative took an unexpected turn when another fan account surfaced with a different perspective. According to this account, during the same call, they had asked Joshua to sing a part of SEVENTEEN's song "Hug."

Joshua, unable to recall the lyrics, resorted to searching for them on his phone, apologizing for the inconvenience.

This revelation led to a flurry of responses from fans who compared the two accounts, pointing out discrepancies and suggesting a deliberate attempt to tarnish Joshua's reputation.

READ MORE: SEVENTEEN Cancelled by K-CARATs for Continuously 'Deceiving' Fans: 'They should all enlist...'

Social media platforms became battlegrounds as supporters rallied behind Joshua, urging his agency, Pledis Entertainment, to take action against those spreading false accusations.

"After this discovery, fans were left under the belief that this was a purposeful attack on Joshua, who has dealt with negativity since his dating rumors in 2023."

In response to the outcry, hashtags such as #PLEDIS_PROTECT_JOSHUA began trending, with fans demanding accountability and protection for the artist against unwarranted attacks.

"Pledis have [sic] some time filing petitions & involving themselves in issues that don't concern them but can't even protect their own artists."

The incident underscores the challenges faced by idols and their agencies in navigating the intricacies of fan interactions in the digital realm.

Written by Cassidy Jones

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