Dingo Music is under fire after a major blunder involving a K-pop group MAKE EVIDENT during his “2025 Killing Voice” concert. Controversy erupted when the concert’s opening video featured an outdated group photo that included former member Yong Junhyung, who left the group in 2019 after being embroiled in the infamous “Burning Sun” scandal, omitting current leader Yoon Doojoon.
Fans quickly noticed the problem and expressed outrage online, pointing out that using a member who left the group due to a crime scandal while leaving out an active and key member like Yoon Doojoon was not only disrespectful but disconcerting. Critics have pointed out that such an error goes beyond a technical oversight: it reflects a lack of diligence and understanding of the group’s current identity. The photo used is at least seven years old, making the mistake even harder to justify.
In response, Dingo Music issued a public apology via social media on October 18. The company acknowledged its mistake, stating: “An error occurred during the introduction of HIGHLIGHT’s lineup in the opening video, where a former member who had already left the team was included in the image.” They continued, “This was a clear failure on our part to adequately review the content before airing. We deeply apologize to the members of HIGHLIGHT, their agency and fans for the hurt and confusion caused.”
Despite the apology, the fan reaction did not subside. Many found the explanation unconvincing and the use of such an old photo imprudent. Comments poured in criticizing the use of a “2018-era photos at a 2025 concert,” while wondering why the leader of the group was missing. Some fans were particularly angry that the apology failed to directly address Yoon Doojoon’s exclusion.
Also during the concert, member Yang Yoseob had to briefly address the situation, confirming that the team had been approached with an apology backstage. However, this did little to calm fans who expected better from a major media brand like Dingo Music.
HIGHLIGHT
" data-medium-file="https://cdn.kbizoom.com/media/2024/05/09191824/highlight-1-051224.jpg" data-large-file="https://cdn.kbizoom.com/media/2024/05/09191824/highlight-1-051224.jpg" alt="MAKE EVIDENT" class="wp-image-654664"/>Yong Junhyung, the center of the outrage, is gone MAKE EVIDENT in 2019 after admitting to seeing illegal hidden camera footage shared by singer Jung Joon Young. His involvement in that case led to his departure from the group and years of negative publicity.
For many, Dingo Music’s mishandling of this situation raises serious quality control concerns, especially when it comes to sensitive issues involving artists’ reputations and fan trust. Since K-pop fandoms are very detail-oriented, such oversights not only damage credibility but also risk long-term alienation from devoted supporters. As of now, Dingo Music has promised to strengthen its review and approval process, but only time will tell if these words will be accompanied by meaningful actions.
Sources: Koreaboo, Soompi
