While there has been a rise in BLs in Korea, the topic of sexuality is still a topic of discussion in Korea, which still has quite conservative views. However, there has been a rise in netizens believing that idols are “queerbaiting,” finding it uncomfortable, especially when members of the LGBTQ+ don’t feel safe coming out.
Two members of ONE PACT have received criticism for almost “kissing” in a video.
Recently, Seongmin and Yedam shared a new vlog that just seemed casual, with the members having fun and relaxing, including playing with some slime.
The members showed their closeness.
At one point, there is a moment that looks like the two might kiss before they pull apart.
When the video was posted online, the ratio of retweets to likes was very similar as the OP had the caption, “Is this a boy group vlog or a gay YouTuber’s channel?”
이게 남돌 브이로그야 게이 유튜버야 pic.twitter.com/b0SCnOzZHK
— 수파두파💫 (@SUPADUPAMY) August 22, 2024
In the comments, the netizens seemed uncomfortable watching the two idols, with many thinking that they were “trying to act gay,” and others thought it looked awkward and wondered whether they had been forced to gain views.
너무 티나게 비게퍼? 해서 오히려 안꼴림 https://t.co/0RxTV3UauR
— 상상금지 (@newsangsanggmji) August 22, 2024
It’s too obvious that they’re trying to act gay, so it actually isn’t attractive.
— newsangsanggmji/X
근데 비게퍼는 어케 하는거임
얘네가 자발적으로 눈치껏 게이짓 하는거임 아니면 회사 대표나 컨펌하는 사람이 니네 게이짓 좀 해보라고 함? https://t.co/RiU28gCi0x— 청녀 (@ssibalzanchi) August 23, 2024
But how do they act gay on purpose? Do they voluntarily pick up on cues and act gay, or does the company director or someone in charge tell them to do it?
— @ssibalzanchi/X
비게퍼짓 하는 하나하나가 ㅈㄴ어색하고 뜬금없어서 걍웃김 https://t.co/cFkthufXlq
— 생님 (@4phillz) August 23, 2024
Every time they try to act gay on purpose, it feels so awkward and out of place that it’s just funny.
— @4phillz/X
While there was probably no ill-intention from the idols, netizens criticized the behavior.
