Seulgi's 'Staff Bullying' Issue Compared to Jennie's — Why Is Latter Criticized More?
Amid their respective controversies over power abuse, Jennie is receiving more backlash than Red Velvet Seulgi due to THIS.
Recently, two of the biggest third-gen female idols, BLACKPINK Jennie and Red Velvet Seulgi were embroiled in staff bullying scandals.
Starting with Jennie, she was recently criticized by global netizens after she was caught e-smoking indoors. While vaping wasn't really a big deal to some since she's already an adult, internet users complained about how she blew smoke without considering that her makeup artist was just right in front of her.
After being called out for her "rude" behavior, Jennie's label, Odd Atelier released an official statement in the idol's stead and affirmed that she already apologized to her staff as well.
Days after, Red Velvet Seulgi was also accused of power tripping during her arrival at Kaohsiung Airport. At the time, the female star flaunted exceptional beauty by wearing her airport fashion fit and sponsored high heels.
Later, fans noticed that she suddenly changed into sneakers, which, upon observation, turned out to be her manager's.
The controversy of power abuse sparked when a video of the manager having difficulty walking in high heels while carrying bags on both shoulders circulated.
On July 13, Seulgi personally addressed this through her Instagram and bowed her head, explaining what really happened. The idol revealed that she got blisters and cuts while practicing and because she didn't bring a spare pair of sneakers, she continued wearing the high heels.
After her manager noticed Seulgi having a hard time walking due to cuts on her feet, they decided to exchange shoes until they left the airport.
Despite this, Seulgi still apologized to fans who were disappointed in what happened and promised them that she would be more careful next time.
Following the two incidents, K-netz can't help but compare the idols and the public's reactions after their apologies have been polarized.
Seulgi's sincere apology through her own SNS rather than using her agency quickly quelled the issue. Netters also easily understood the situation with her detailed explanation of it and precise identification of her mistakes.
A K-media also added:
"Seulgi's reputation for having a good personality was also a plus. Seulgi has many good stories among industry insiders and fans, and is well-known as an idol with a good personality and character."
On the other hand, criticism of Jennie got more severe after netizens questioned her for not addressing the issue herself, not to mention that she wasn't able to explain the situation properly in her label's brief position.
Compared to Seulgi, Jennie also does not have a good reputation these days, after her "bullying" rumor at a tripe restaurant five years ago resurfaced, on top of her fan impersonating a staff to release a fake post about the smoking incident.
READ MORE: Jennie 'Entitled'? Insider Reveals Anecdote About BLACKPINK Member's Personality
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Written by Eunice Dela Cruz
