A rookie boy group set to debut soon is facing backlash before their launch has even fully rolled out, centered on member Hyukjin. The controversy traces back to Hyukjin publicly expressing support for Charlie Kirk, the right-wing political commentator who was shot and killed, a stance that drew immediate criticism online. Following that backlash, private messages between Hyukjin and a netizen surfaced, appearing to show him agreeing with views widely characterized as transphobic, homophobic, and racist.
Since the messages spread, fans across social media have been organizing around the hashtag calling for his removal from the group entirely, with the group’s teaser posts flooded with comments demanding the company reconsider his position in the lineup. As of the most recent teaser, the fifth in the pre-debut rollout, the calls for his removal have only intensified rather than faded, putting the label in a difficult spot heading into their official debut.
