A seemingly innocuous grocery shopping trip has sparked an unexpected controversy for ILLIT’s Wonhee, highlighting the often-sensitive cultural dynamics surrounding K-pop idols and their public image. A recent vlog clip featuring the artist at a Don Quijote store in Japan has gone viral, drawing criticism from some Japanese netizens who perceived her behavior as careless and impolite.
The issue centers around how Wonhee handled items while shopping, specifically appearing to “toss” products into her cart and her manner of maneuvering the cart itself. A tweet, now widely circulated, voiced concerns that her actions lacked consideration and decorum. “She was raised too crudely,” and “She has no class,” were among the comments reported by Koreaboo, reflecting a segment of Japanese online opinion that found her behavior jarring.
However, the reaction hasn’t been universal. Many Korean netizens have pushed back against the criticism, arguing that the backlash is exaggerated and that the video simply depicts a young person shopping casually. Comments shared online, as reported by Koreaboo, included dismissals of the criticism as oversensitivity, with some users pointing out that similar behavior is commonplace in everyday grocery shopping. “They’re seriously overreacting,” and “Japanese people are seriously so damn sensitive lol. They make a fuss over literally anything,” were representative of this counter-narrative.
The incident underscores the challenges faced by K-pop groups – and their members – as they navigate international markets and differing cultural expectations. While ILLIT has been actively cultivating a strong presence in Japan, with collaborative campaigns and extensive promotion, as noted by Chosunbiz, this incident demonstrates that even seemingly minor actions can be subject to intense scrutiny and varying interpretations.
This isn’t the first time ILLIT, a relatively new group formed through the survival show R U Next?, has faced public challenges. Recent months have been marked by controversy stemming from accusations of plagiarism leveled by ADOR’s CEO Min Hee-jin, alleging that ILLIT copied concepts from NewJeans. This led to a wave of negative public opinion and, malicious comments directed at the group members, including Wonhee. KBIZOOM reported that Wonhee appeared visibly distressed during a recent live broadcast, seemingly attempting to report abusive comments.
The situation is further complicated by reports, also detailed by KBIZOOM, that Wonhee was potentially the target of body-shaming comments made by Min Hee-jin, adding another layer of negativity and online harassment. Belift Lab, ILLIT’s agency, has officially denied the plagiarism accusations and stated its commitment to prioritizing the artists’ health and well-being.
The current controversy surrounding Wonhee’s shopping trip, while seemingly minor in comparison to the larger plagiarism allegations, highlights the intense pressure faced by K-pop idols. Every action, even a routine trip to the grocery store, is potentially subject to public observation and judgment. The differing reactions from Japanese and Korean netizens also reveal the complexities of navigating cultural sensitivities in the global entertainment landscape.
The incident also arrives at a moment when scrutiny of idol behavior is particularly high. Just hours before news of the Wonhee controversy broke, BTS faced criticism for a new group selfie, with some fans accusing the group of excessive editing and appearing “unrecognisable.” While that situation was quickly resolved with explanations about mirroring effects, it underscores a broader trend of heightened awareness and critique surrounding the presentation of idols in the digital age.
As ILLIT continues its promotional activities in Japan and beyond, the agency will likely need to carefully consider how to manage public perception and protect its artists from undue criticism. The incident serves as a reminder that even seemingly harmless moments can become flashpoints in the highly charged world of K-pop, and that cultural understanding is paramount for success on the global stage.
The question remains whether this latest controversy will have a lasting impact on Wonhee’s image or ILLIT’s overall popularity. For now, the incident serves as a potent example of the challenges and sensitivities inherent in navigating the complexities of international fandom and cultural expectations.
