THE BOYZ’s Kevin Seemingly Sends Cryptic Messages To Fans Regarding Uncredited Creative Work
THE BOYZ‘s Kevin recently earned attention after finding a creative way to send a message to fans, which stirred outrage from The Bs (THE BOYZ fans) toward IST Entertainment for allegedly failing to credit Kevin for his creative input.
THE BOYZ’s Kevin recently left a series of messages through the artist-to-fan communication app Bubble, which investigative fans quickly began to piece together.
Kevin began with messages on August 4, in which he encouraged fans to watermark their work, urging them to protect their creative property.
Hours later, he sent messages consisting of only emojis, and eagle-eyed fans noticed that the beginning letter of each emoji’s name in English seemed to spell out a message.
A fan pieced together the clues, realizing that Kevin was seemingly referring to their upcoming song “Passion Fruit” on their soon-to-be-released album, [Phantasy] Pt.1 Christmas In August.
jesus christ if this means kevin helped compose passion fruit but was never given credits…
— 🌿*:･ﾟ✧ #KEVIN_rwt (@mooneybees) August 4, 2023
Kevin, who has frequently contributed his creative and design talents to THE BOYZ’s promotions and performances, had brought attention to his uncredited lyrical contributions before, increasing fans’ belief that he was again bringing attention to his uncredited creative work.
no because kevin was also never credited for writing the english lyrics for <36.5>… i wouldn’t be suprised if he helped write <passion fruit> but never got credits pic.twitter.com/BIvWSfUjR6
— 🌿*:･ﾟ✧ #KEVIN_rwt (@mooneybees) August 4, 2023
Shortly after the messages were sent, and fans began to speculate their meaning, Kevin’s profile and background photos were removed from Bubble and Weverse without explanation, further raising concerns from fans.
저 이후로 버블 위버스 프사 다 내려갔고
무슨일 있는게 확실해요 https://t.co/7xHdI496wK pic.twitter.com/fvDiIGOZe7— 🍧 (@nyeong_seo_) August 5, 2023
Kevin has the right to claim his works. Trying to take his word off by blocking it on Bubble and Weverse doesn't solve anything. By doing so, you only show up for the lousy company you are. Give your artists the treatment they deserve.#IST_저작권_내놔#PROTECT_KEVINS_COPYRIGHT
— ☾ cece (@M0NROSE) August 6, 2023
really hoping everything is fine my moon 🌙💛
— 상 (@for82sy) August 5, 2023
I hope Mooney is okay behind the scenes. Tbh, at moments like these I feel so helpless as a fan, like, on a real time, what could possibly loving and supporting comments do? They'll just bring a small smile and when u turn off cell phone's screen, you're back to reality again..
— loveyouCLOVER (@_sparkels) August 5, 2023
In response to Kevin’s messages and the unexplained changes to his Weverse and Bubble profiles, THE BOYZ fans began trending hashtags to bring attention to the issue, hoping IST Entertainment would take action and rightfully acknowledge Kevin’s creative work and input.
ist should be grateful for having someone so hardworking and creative. kevin and deobis are just asking for the bare minimum, he deserves more as a songwriter and main vocalist, ist respect your artist !!#IST_저작권_내놔#PROTECT_KEVINS_COPYRIGHTpic.twitter.com/6wWfTwhhpZ
— thinking about kevin (@thinkingabtkev) August 6, 2023
viral performances that are cited as tbz’s breakout moment were something of kevin’s creation. working double duty as an on-call art director and performer while badly injured but he’s seen no recognition for it#IST_저작권_내놔 #PROTECT_KEVINS_COPYRIGHT pic.twitter.com/lUMdUybij8
— your deobi dj 🔋 (@computercart) August 6, 2023
RESPECT your artists and their rights. give Kevin the proper credit for his creative works!#IST_저작권_내놔#GIVE_KEVIN_CREDITSpic.twitter.com/3XEW9VB0ZY
— clar♪ce ⋆ (@swzvoid) August 6, 2023
At this time, there has been no statement from IST Entertainment regarding the issue.
