Once hailed as one of the brightest stars of K-pop’s third generation, EXO’s Chanyeol is facing a dramatic decline in public image and standing in the industry, highlighted by his recent exclusion from promotional material for Sister’s coffee on Coupang Play.
The idol only appeared for a second in the teaser and was completely removed from the original thumbnail. The production team later restored his image in a revised version, but only after facing backlash from international fans. The incident led many to wonder whether Chanyeol’s reduced presence was intentional, an attempt to avoid potential controversies related to his past scandals.
This awkward handling suggests that Chanyeol’s once-dominant public position has faded. Unlike in the past, his elimination elicited little defense from the Korean public.
Debuting in 2012 as EXO’s lead rapper and one of the group’s most visually appealing members, Chanyeol stood out with his 185cm build, warm smile and lively persona. He quickly became a fan favorite, dedicating himself to songwriting, acting, playing instruments and endorsing major brands. At EXO’s peak, from 2013 to 2017, he was omnipresent in entertainment, cementing his status as the “nation’s idol.”
Together, EXO and Chanyeol have achieved historic milestones: Growl became a national anthem, the group won five consecutive Daesang and similar albums XOXO, ExodusAND Ex’Act sold millions. EXO’s performance at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics symbolized their cultural dominance. Back then, the phrase “nationally loved” was almost synonymous with EXO, especially Chanyeol.
However, that image was shattered in late 2020 when a woman, claiming to be Chanyeol’s ex-girlfriend, accused him of cheating with multiple women for three years. SM Entertainment has neither confirmed nor denied the claims, and Chanyeol remained silent before suing the accuser for defamation. Yet the damage was done. The Korean public reacted with anger and disappointment, eroding the idol’s reputation almost overnight. His subsequent military enlistment during the unresolved scandal only deepened the silence.
After his discharge in 2022, Chanyeol attempted a comeback through music, acting and solo concerts. But the landscape had changed. Some shows have reported slow ticket sales, and his solo projects have not made a significant impact in South Korea. While international fans continue to support them, domestic interest has largely waned. The scandal, prolonged silence, and general inactivity of EXO have contributed to the fading of Chanyeol’s relevance.
Rebuilding public trust in South Korea, known for its critical scrutiny of celebrities, now looms as one of the biggest challenges in Chanyeol’s career. What was once an unshakable legacy now stands as a warning about how quickly fame can fade in the unforgiving world of K-pop.
Sources: K14
