A heated fan war broke out online after Stray Kids fans unexpectedly brought EXO leader Suho’s name into a dispute involving a stylist working for JYP Entertainment, drawing harsh criticism from both EXO fans and neutral netizens.
The controversy began when a post on a popular Korean online community went viral, garnering nearly 50,000 views. In the post, Stray Kids fans asked JYP Entertainment about a stylist who currently works with the group. According to the post, the designer previously worked at SM Entertainment and was once involved with EXO member Suho.
Fans claimed that during their time at SM, the designer caused controversy by posting misleading content that made it appear that Suho stole shoes and caused damage. Many believed that the stylist left the industry after that incident, only to later find out that the same person is now employed in JYP’s First Division, One Label, and is responsible for styling the Stray Kids.
The post questioned JYP’s decision, asking why someone with such a controversial past had been hired and calling on the company to provide a clear explanation.
Previously, industry insiders had expressed unease towards the designer. Another stylist, referred to as Person B, claimed that the individual in question had left his previous position for “various undisclosed reasons” and suggested that his problematic posts may have been created out of resentment after no longer working with EXO.
At the time of the original incident, SM Entertainment had released a strong official statement denying any wrongdoing on Suho’s part. The agency clarified that the claims circulating were entirely false and unrelated to the artist, and announced plans to take legal action for defamation and spreading harmful rumors.
Despite this, many EXO fans were outraged that Suho’s name was used in the context of an internal protest in another fandom. EXO-L criticized Stray Kids fans for dragging an unrelated idol into the matter, claiming it would unfairly reopen a settled matter and risk damaging Suho’s reputation once again.
Comments on social media reflected the frustration: some questioned why another artist’s name was needed, while others argued that if fans were dissatisfied with the style, they should focus solely on concrete examples related to Stray Kids instead of referencing Suho. Others went further, criticizing not only the hiring decision of the designer and JYP Entertainment, but also the methods of protest used by the fandom, calling them excessive and misdirected.
As the debate continues to spread, the situation highlights ongoing tensions between fandoms and raises broader questions about accountability, fan activism, and the unintended consequences of using unrelated artists in public controversies.
Sources: Koreaboo
