YOU members have recently shown their public support for FIFTY FIFTYThe new return of, taking many fans by surprise.
Nowadays, two idol groups collaborating on dance challenges to promote each group’s comeback has become more of a norm in K-Pop. But it’s not very often that a group goes out of their way to post another group’s comeback on their official channels to show their support.
So when several ILLIT members posted about FIFTY FIFTY’s new song “SOS” on ILLIT’s official social media platforms, fans were surprised. The members I don’t believe it, IrohaAND Yes everyone has posted similar messages on X (former Chirping), congratulating the FIFTY FIFTY members Chanel AND Yewon for their official debut as the new members of FIFTY FIFTY.
Chanel and Yewon, congratulations on your debut!
I want to be on the same stage
I will always support you💓#YOU #eyelet #FANTASTIC #Wonhee— ILLIT (@ILLIT_twt) September 20, 2024
“Chanel Unnie and Yewon Unniemany congratulations on your debut!
I want to be on the same stage with you guys.
I will always be rooting for you.”
—Wonhee-
Chanel unnie~! Yes, grandparents~!
Congratulations on your debut~~!! 🥳 🥳
Let’s fight for each other!! I’m rooting for you!! ❤️❤️ #YOU #eyelet #IROHA #Iroha— ILLIT (@ILLIT_twt) September 20, 2024
“Chanel Unnie! Yewon Unnie!
Congratulations on your debut!!
Let’s cheer each other on!! I’m cheering for you!!”
— Iroha
Sister Chanel! Yewon! Congratulations on your debut 💕
I will always support you, fighting 🥰 🥰 #YOU #eyelet #YUNAH #Yoona photo.twitter.com/ttl8a4Lm4L— ILLIT (@ILLIT_twt) September 20, 2024
“Chanel it is not! Yewon! Many congratulations on your debut.
I will always be rooting for you. Fighting.”
– Yuna
The specific references to Chanelle and Yewon were due to the fact that the two were competing on the idol survival show WHAT’S NEXT? which led to the creation of ILLIT.
While many were impressed that the girls maintained a good relationship despite once being contestants and debuting in different groups, many also found it strange. Those who were unhappy with the members’ posts gave two main reasons. The first was an ongoing call for a boycott against FIFTY FIFTY’s new lineup, as many fans feel that their label ATTRAKT has taken advantage of the former members who are still embroiled in a massive lawsuit with the label.
boycott Fifty Fifty 🙁 Illit fans please please don’t stream or listen to this song https://t.co/lqhnr1l83z
— angel 📡 (@straszyciolki) September 20, 2024
here’s your reminder to boycott attrakt and everything related to them, so that means boycott fifty fifty too
every cent you give them goes to lawsuits against former band members who were mistreated and put their health at risk https://t.co/q0SLMDTqcO
— ً (@aekiofl) September 20, 2024
Many argued that the other reason was that the posts looked more like something made by HYBE than by the members themselves. Many felt that if the girls wanted to congratulate their friends, they would have posted it on Weverse instead of X. However, several fans have made different assumptions about HYBE’s possible strategy in pulling off this move.
I know Illit is close to the girls, but we recently got the news that Attrakt was actually working with Hybe, had them in his books, had eyes and knew the two girls during or after ru next, and had already planned the future of these desperate and vulnerable girls https://t.co/WlE05DW4sD photo.twitter.com/QEyt0Y6WTi
— gab (@saeransio) September 21, 2024
considering how this was posted and how the group was revealed to be involved with Hybe, it’s likely Hybe is doing free promotion. Girl, fuck you Hybe https://t.co/rvnrXUrjMe
— sunny🐰ྀི ✧ (@chaesecakee) September 20, 2024
If these were actually personal congratulations from the girls, they would be posted on Weverse.
Do you really think we could trust you using ILLIT to promote 5050?
ILLIT IS NOT YOUR SCAPEGOAT#HYBESTOPUSINGILLITE Italian: https://t.co/lQYwOT4vlU photo.twitter.com/56lNYlXwCq
— ILLIT Loops 🐇 (@illit_loops) September 20, 2024
Many, however, denounced the negativity and defended ILLIT members, saying that the posts were simply to show support for their friends and should not be construed as anything more.
why are you mad when she is literally supporting her friends who have been through so much with her during the Trainee and Runext era? If there’s anyone who understands what it feels like to finally debut after waiting so long, it’s definitely Yunah. Go away and stop harassing girls 🙄 https://t.co/j43StM48Ju
— rea (@nojamsrea) September 20, 2024
No one should hate Yunah for this, the boycott was mostly outside of Korea. Most of Korea has sided with the company and is supporting the new group, plus her friends are in this group. Just don’t stream the song. https://t.co/IVu7RVQAgJ
— #1 lover of junwon (@rickysh3n) September 20, 2024
wtf are these replies. He’s supporting his friends and nothing else. Grow up tf wdym “wonhee delete this” weird bitches https://t.co/emx7k4oAQu photo.twitter.com/c7bP4wjZtR
— I’ll like yizhuocd (@yizhuocd) September 20, 2024