Fifth-Gen Girl Group Member Accused Of Being An “Ilbe” User, Netizens Condemn Lack Of Response
Yihyun, a member of the fifth-generation girl group Baby Don’t Cry, is facing scathing backlash online over accusations that she is an Ilbe user.
For those unaware, Ilbe is an online community identified as a far-right platform in Korea. It is characterized by its highly problematic posts, and the general public appears to hold a negative opinion about its users.
Inside “Ilbe”: What Exactly Is This Korean Website And Why Has It Become So Problematic?
The accusations that Yihyun was an Ilbe user stemmed from a month-old video from her birthday livestream. In the clip, the idol was suddenly heard shouting, “Yah! I’m feeling great!” This particular phrase is associated with Ilbe since it is a popular expression used by the platform’s users to mock the late former president Roh Moo Hyun, who died by suicide.
The phrase, along with Yihyun’s vocal intonation when she said it, has netizens convinced that she was indeed referencing the mockery. The fact that despite the accusations surfacing a month ago, the idol had not issued any explanation or rebuttal has also added fuel to the raging backlash against her.
- “I honestly don’t even want to waste my words here.”
- “Do you really think that just because neither the individual nor the group has much name recognition, you can just play dumb and sweep this under the rug? For the love of God, if that’s not the case, just say so, damn it!”
- “Is she crazy?”
- “I’m disappointed.”
- “Calling someone an ‘Ilbe user’ over something like this seems like a bit of a stretch. I mean, couldn’t they just be saying, ‘Yeah, I feel good’?”
— “Go and watch the video. Footage of Roh Moo Hyun speaking.”
Meanwhile, a male idol was recently embroiled in a similar controversy, prompting his agency to issue a clarification.
Starship Boy Group Member Accused of Being An “Ilbe” User, Agency Fiercely Defends
