On X, international FEARNOTs expressed their frustration after alleged "double standard" in K-pop stans between LE SSERAFIM and other girl groups including aespa, IVE, and NewJeans.
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On July 1, McDonald's Japan released a teaser clip announcing its collaboration with K-pop girl group aespa. In the 30-second video, the quartet was seen promoting various products including their collab item for the McCafe menu.
As of writing, the video has amassed over 8M views, as well as an overwhelming 64k likes and 7.4k quotes.
Initially, Japanese consumers expressed their excitement and left positive comments that they would only drink McCafe after aespa became their CF model.
本日7/1(月)から#McCafe × #aespa
— マクドナルド (@McDonaldsJapan) July 1, 2024
コラボCM解禁!#オレオクッキーチョコフラッペ#水曜からチョコミントフラッペも pic.twitter.com/s3Ghbf320T
However, international K-pop fans, especially FEARNOTs (LE SSERAFIM fandom) suddenly bombarded the post with negative feedback, seeing how other MYs are showing support for it.
In particular, the thing that's making FEARNOTs upset is that aespa is not receiving the same criticism as LE SSERAFIM did when fans caught them consuming Starbucks.
The K-pop community has been expressing their support to the BDS Movement wherein brands who are aiding and abetting Israel's genocide in Gaza were being boycotted and canceled.
Mcdonalds is noted as an organic consumer boycott target by the bds movement.
— Shawol4Palestine (@ShawolPalestine) July 2, 2024
Remembering the lives of those who will be/are affected, you will do the right thing and not purchase from Mcdonalds! #SM_보이콧_제노사이드#SM_BOYCOTT_GENOCIDE https://t.co/5aaFKK9VYC pic.twitter.com/6NPX0pM38R
ALSO READ: LE SSERAFIM Yunjin Faces Massive Backlash for Drinking Starbucks: 'This is disgusting...'
McDonalds, PUMA, Burger King, etc., are amongst the brands in the boycott list — which are also often consumed by K-pop idols. Starbucks is also said to be one of these brands. Thus, fans are actively educating their faves.
FEARNOTs then recalled how LE SSERAFIM has suffered hateful and malicious comments about it, while aespa was being defended by the community.
The fandom even mentioned other girl groups, such as IVE and NewJeans, who are also working with brands labeled as "zionists," yet they didn't experience the massive cancel culture.
https://t.co/0Vj3Bku9u0 pic.twitter.com/Ip5E0HcoQy
— xyl (@jxynthv) July 1, 2024
lsf was about to get Mworded because of a cup of coffee from a brand that isn't even in the boycott list yet we have grps out here doing collabs left and right with the actual boycotted brands and no one bats an eye what in the double standard or should I call it nuguism effect? https://t.co/1tyj5TIJaU pic.twitter.com/E9Bkskkjcy
— 1-800 (@JTKblueberry) July 1, 2024
ive with pepsi, aespa collabing with mcdonald's rosé getting a brand deal with puma, newjeans whole comeback being a coca cola ad... but yunjin's the z!onist? https://t.co/sXXSL7yzzf
— bts (@boom65292804) July 1, 2024
LE SSSERAFIM fans are complaining that the hate for the group was so forced and that internet users should apologize to them.
Learning about this complaint, MYs (aespa fandom) jumped to the quartet's defense, explaining that the varying reactions were due to the fact that the incident are two different cases.
In fact, MYs are not in favor of it as well and they are also doing their best to call out SM Entertainment.
this is a new low by SM first the nct-sb collab now aespa with mcdo 🤮🤮🤮🤮 god damn money really is the ROOT of all evil. https://t.co/U0ZW8vDc7Y
— primo⁹ 🏹 | TZULO coming soon! (@twicethusiast) July 1, 2024
DO NOT ENGAGE WITH OFFICIAL POSTS
— 윈터얼트 (@wntrult) July 1, 2024
Hello SM We DONT want AESPA or any of your artists to associate or promo McDonald's. That company are financing a genocide in Palestine. Please take note of our concerns. #SM_BOYCOTT_GENOCIDE @aespa_official @aespaJPofficial @SMTOWNGLOBAL pic.twitter.com/sOpGYo2pyk
While Yunjin was caught drinking Starbucks behind the stage, aespa was selected as a model through SM Entertainment, that's why they don't have full control over it. Even if they don't want to do it, they have to adhere to what was written in their contracts. Thus, it is not right to hate or criticized the members.
But FEARNOTs are not convinced and claimed how hypocritical K-pop stans are, wherein they changed their attitude and opinions, choosing which artist to pull down and put on the pedestal.
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Written by Eunice Dela Cruz