Hearts2Hearts' latest controversy with Japanese netizens
The controversy began on social media X (formerly Twitter) when one user posted, "SM discriminates against Japanese people, yet still uses Japanese culture. What’s that about?” along with recent teaser photos of the girl group.
The comment referred to the group's new teaser photos, which featured a photo sticker layout adorned with playful doodles, a visual style many online users associate with Japanese purikura (photo sticker booth) culture.
One Japanese Twitter user replied, "People are saying, ‘But WISH received no hate,’ but 4 out of their 6 members are Japanese, and their official content even comes with Japanese subtitles. Hearts2Hearts doesn’t have a single Japanese member, and there’s no reason for them to include Japanese elements in the first place. So why are they doing this?"
Another Japanese Twitter user replied, "They're trying to make Japanese culture seem like it originated from Korea."
The statement quickly gained traction, sparking a heated online discussion. While some Japanese users criticized the group for allegedly borrowing from Japanese aesthetics, others came to Hearts2Hearts' defense.
Korean netizens' reaction
Korean netizens also found this claim absurd and gathered in an online community to share their thoughts. They commented:
"They're at it again."
"Huh?"
"This is absurd."
"What discrimination?"
"This was popular in Korea, too."
"This (photobooth photos) was trending in Korea a long time ago (in the 1990s). That's the concept they're using."
"The post is saying Japan was discriminated against, was there a time SM was antagonistic toward them?"
"They're going to go mad if some group does a karaoke theme concept."
"What? lol."
"lol, thanks for the free PR."
"I think it's because they don't have any Japanese members."
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