DIVEs Brew Boycott of IVE’s Upcoming Release With Pepsi: ‘Starship, Are You Even Serious?'

In a surprising turn of events, fans of K-Pop group IVE have taken to social media to express their discontent and announce plans to boycott the group's upcoming musical release, "Summer Festa," a collaboration with Pepsi.

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The announcement, which came earlier this month, unveiled a partnership between IVE and PepsiCo, set to release their new song on June 28.

However, this partnership has sparked controversy among fans for reasons beyond the music itself.

IVE, managed by Starship Entertainment, is no stranger to collaborations with major brands like Pepsi.

Over the years, Starship Entertainment has facilitated several music projects in conjunction with Pepsi, including notable releases featuring artists such as Rain, MONSTA X, Brave Girls, and ATEEZ.

These collaborations have typically been met with excitement from fans eager to see their favorite idols team up with global brands.

The current uproar, however, stems from a different source entirely.

PepsiCo, the parent company of Pepsi, acquired SodaStream in 2018, a move that has drawn criticism from activist groups due to SodaStream's operations in Israel.

SodaStream, known for its home carbonation machines, has been a focal point in the BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) Movement's call for boycotting companies linked to Israeli policies in Palestine.

"SodaSteam is actively complicit in Israel's policy of displacing the indigenous Bedouin-Palestinian citizens of Israel in the Naqab (Negev).

SodaStream [has] a long history of mistreatment of and discrimination against Palestinian workers."

According to the BDS Movement, SodaStream's factory in the Negev (Naqab) region of Israel has been involved in controversial practices concerning Palestinian workers.

Allegations of exploitation and discrimination against Palestinian employees have fueled international debate and led to widespread calls for boycotts against SodaStream and its parent company, PepsiCo.

In response to IVE's collaboration announcement with Pepsi, many fans have voiced their disappointment and frustration on social media platforms.

Numerous posts have surfaced expressing solidarity with the BDS Movement and condemning Starship Entertainment's decision to partner with PepsiCo.

Fans cite ethical concerns and human rights issues as primary reasons for their decision to boycott IVE's upcoming release.

The backlash highlights a growing trend where fans of entertainment industries worldwide are increasingly mindful of social and political implications associated with their favorite artists' endorsements and collaborations.

As the digital age enables global connectivity and awareness, fans are leveraging their platforms to advocate for causes they believe in, including international human rights and ethical consumerism.

KpopStarz owns this article.

Written by Cassidy Jones.