Fansite Releases 2025-Debuted Idol’s Pictures From 2022, Sparking Sasaeng Backlash

A set of pre-debut photos of a now-debuted idol is going viral, but not without controversy. Recently, a fansite released photos of Hearts2Hearts’ Jiwoo taken back in 2022, before her official debut in 2025. The images were shared as part of an April Fools’ post, surprising fans with a glimpse into her trainee days.

In the photos, Jiwoo is seen attending an SM Entertainment concert, something that, according to fans, isn’t unusual for trainees.

It’s been widely known among K-Pop fans that SM trainees are sometimes allowed to attend senior artists’ concerts as a reward after their monthly evaluations. They also go to observe idols in real settings as a learning opportunity.

These opportunities are said to serve as both motivation and exposure. However, what raised eyebrows is how the photos were taken. Trainees typically enter through the artist entrance rather than general admission, meaning they can be unintentionally captured on camera.

Due to their outstanding visuals, many are easily recognizable as trainees even before debut. Even so, fans wondered if fansites were given insider information or were sasaengs.

the concept of an idol that debuted in 2025 having fansign photos from 2022 https://t.co/x0WgcCfl5Q

— ntrvp (@ntrvp6) March 31, 2026

Following the release, some fans began questioning whether the photos crossed a line. Criticism quickly surfaced online, with netizens debating whether documenting trainees borders on sasaeng behavior.

Others defended the fansite, claiming that such behavior was normal.

It's not weird, all trainees from big companies already have fansite https://t.co/pjvNWoh990

— hamura (@shinryoha) April 1, 2026

As discussions continue, the situation has once again highlighted the blurred line between fan content and privacy.