<!– wp:social-link {“url”:”https://www.facebook.com/”,”service”:”facebook”,”label”:””,”rel”:””} /–>
<!– wp:social-link {“url”:”https://x.com/”,”service”:”twitter”,”label”:””,”rel”:””} /–>
<!– wp:social-link {“url”:”https://www.instagram.com/”,”service”:”instagram”,”label”:””,”rel”:””} /–></ul> <!– /wp:social-links –>
SEVENTEEN fanbase, CARATs, has unleashed a coordinated social media campaign demanding Hybe and Pledis Entertainment to enhance member Hoshi’s protection measures following the spread of alleged defamatory contents against the artist on social media.
This weekend, thousands of fans have been posting identical messages on various platforms all over, using hashtags like #HYBE_protectyourartists and #PLEDISprotectHOSHI. Those who are calling the action tag the official company accounts and ask for immediate action. They argue that a social media account has come up with unverified and misleading interpretations of the artist’s past content. They claim that the posts exaggerate the artist and fan moments when the artist was only being natural.
Knowing that calling for intervention might not be enough, CARATs also share some clips and photos to show that the artist who is their favorite is truly a positive and open person. They especially highlight the times when the artist showed his care to both members and fans. At once, the campaign caught the attention of many and became a talking point within the K, pop online communities. A debate on artist, protection and the duties of agencies in the digital world has been sparked.
HYBE, along with its Pledis Entertainment branch, had already announced that they were ready to take legal actions against the spread of hate and slander targeting their artists online. The situations where the companies have lodged complaints and helped the police in defamation and harassment cases against artists are well documented. For the moment, both companies have refrained from making any public statements specifically related to the ongoing fan, led campaign.
Industry commentators have remarked that it is very typical nowadays to see fans advocacy campaigns which are fan led especially as Kpop fandoms become increasingly organized and sophisticated on the net. Such movements usually highlight issues for example, cyberbullying or misinformation targeting public personalities.
It is not clear whether the recent fan campaign will result in a legal suit and an official reaction. However, the situation and the campaign highlight the changing dynamic among artists, agencies, and very energetic fan communities worldwide.
Read also: T.O.P returns to solo music, Nana will appear in his comeback music video
