“IVE’s Ahn Yu-jin Facing Harsh Cyberbullying in China: ‘Unimaginable Level of Hate’”
A Chinese fan has called out this harassment, urging Starship Entertainment to take immediate and strong measures to protect her.
On November 26, an individual (identified as “A”) posted a concerning message on their account, stating, “Unfortunately, I have some troubling news to share.”
A detailed the extent of the attacks, saying, “Ahn Yu-jin is facing severe cyberbullying in China, and it has reached an uncontrollable level, far beyond what one could imagine.” The individual also directly addressed Starship Entertainment, pleading, “Please take immediate action to combat the rumors and malicious comments.”
The fan called for the agency to prioritize protecting Ahn Yu-jin’s reputation and to act decisively against the ongoing cyberbullying. They explained, “Malicious individuals are spreading false information and using Photoshop to defame her. The large-scale and sustained harassment has severely damaged her reputation and public image as a celebrity.”
In addition, they criticized the company’s marketing strategies, claiming, “Stop the unreasonable marketing tactics and correct your misguided approach. As the group leader, Ahn Yu-jin has shown clear dedication and responsibility. However, the agency has exploited controversies surrounding the group for reverse marketing, turning Ahn Yu-jin into a target for constant attacks and rumors, making her a tool and scapegoat for their strategy.” The fan urged Starship Entertainment to adopt more positive promotional strategies.
The Source of the Backlash
Ahn Yu-jin began facing criticism in China after the release of the Heya music video in April, when it sparked controversy among Chinese netizens. During the promotional period, Ahn Yu-jin described the music video as “capturing Korean beauty, from the stage design to the costumes, reflecting elements of traditional Korean culture.” However, some Chinese viewers accused the video of “stealing Chinese traditional culture,” citing certain design elements such as cloud motifs, landscape backgrounds, oriental-style shoes, and fan designs as examples.
This backlash reflects an ongoing cultural dispute between China and Korea, where aspects of Korean culture, including kimchi, hanbok, and even K-pop visuals, have been claimed as “Chinese” by some Chinese netizens.
Professor Seo Kyung-duk from Sungshin Women’s University commented on the issue, stating, “Chinese netizens, driven by deep-seated inferiority complexes, are now going as far as to falsely accuse K-pop videos of stealing Chinese culture. It’s just another manifestation of their distorted Sinocentrism. It’s both frustrating and sad to see such baseless claims continue.”
Source: TV Report