On July 12, the screenshots of Xinyu’s messages on the “Fromm” communication platform began to circulate on the Korean online communities, including Theqoo. In messages, Xinyu said, “Macao has always been a Chinese territory”, and added, “Also Hong Kong and Taiwan.”
When some fans expressed concern and advised her to be cautious with these statements, according to Xinyu reported firmly: “Why? Are you worried that I reproached me?” He continued, “If you don’t agree with my opinion, do not come from my Fromm.”
The only Chinese principle, promoted by the Chinese government, states that continental China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao are all part of a single indivisible nation governed exclusively by Beijing.
Many Netizen Koreans have reactively reacted to Xinyu’s observations, in particular his response to fans who did not agree. The comments criticized it for having fired opposite opinions and having made politically sensitive statements by promoting in South Korea. A user wrote, “It is clear how he really sees his fans if he tells them to leave to have a different opinion.”
Xinyu, born in 2002, attracted public attention for the first time during MNET’s survival show “Girls Planet 999” in 2021. He later made his debut as 15th member of [TripleS]A group known for its innovative structure led by fans and a growing global popularity.
While the political expressions of idols are rare due to the different origins of global fans, this accident has rekindled debates on the fact that the K-pop stars must engage in geopolitics, especially when their comments can alienate the international public.
