The K-Pop fandom is once again divided as W Korea,’ the fashion magazine held its 20th anniversary “Love Your W” breast-cancer awareness campaign. All was well, until photos and videos of the event went viral for the wrong reasons. The event received heavy criticism with many netizens stating that this event was more of a party, rather than an event to bring awareness to a serious illness.
But it didn’t stop there, the more netizens came to know about it, the more backlash this event along with the attendees, brought forth.
Why?
Firstly, netizens pointed out how this event’s intended purpose was to bring awareness to breast-cancer, a very serious illness that affects millions of women every day. However, the event itself had no thought or consideration towards this. With things like alcohol being served, to Jay Park’s performance of “Mommae.” Secondly, netizens noted the lack of pink. Considering the fact that breast-cancer awareness’ representative color is pink, this entire event was more like a black-tie celebration. With celebrities wearing white, black or red.
But looking at it further, this controversy really gave insight into the ever changing fandom culture. Extending beyond a very poorly executed gala, many fans were nonetheless disappointed that their idols whom they look to as role models were partying it up at an awareness event. Yes, the organizers are at fault, but just like how many fans pointed out, these celebrities are not children. Each and every celebrity are full grown adults who could have said something, and yet even till this day there is not one celebrity from the event that has issued an apology. Aside from IVE’s Rei and a very small handful of others, no one even bothered to state anything about breast-cancer awareness nor study upon it.
Still there are fans defending these celebrities. Sure the company might have a big say in what they can and cannot do, but from another perspective too, many companies cater to the desires and needs of the celebrity that they’re responsible for. Why? Because without said celebrity the companies know that they will lose lots of revenue.
While fandoms used to focus mainly on streaming, merchandise and supporting their idols in what they do, now the mindset and views of fans have changed. With many stating things like “In the end, these people are not like us, they’re rich, and they’re there just to have fun.” or “In the end you can’t help it when you’re rich and famous, you become ignorant to what’s happening to normal people.”
It’s actually refreshing to be able to see so many fans finally come to the realistic sense that sure your idols and favorite celebs may seem kind, but that’s their job. That’s what they are trained to do. The fact that fans are demanding these celebrities to take account for their mistakes, is truly what’s right. Let’s hope that this kind of culture continues to grow, because these K-celebrities do have a huge impact.
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