It was supposed to be a heartwarming scene, but Red Velvet Irene meeting this ex-SM rookie didn't sit well with fans.

Here's why.

(Photo : Instagram | Kpop Wiki)
Red Velvet Irene Earns People's Ire After Hanging Out With THIS Former SM Rookie

Former SM Rookies Koeun Shares Anecdote With Red Velvet Irene

In an online community, Red Velvet Irene hanging out with former SM Rookies Koeun has been garnering mixed reactions from fans.

On May 27, Ko Eun/Go Eun, mononymously known as Koeun, took to her personal Instagram to share photos and an anecdote with the Red Velvet leader. The former SM Entertainment trainee revealed that she recently hung out with the idol in a luxurious restaurant, wherein fans believed to be in Schedule Cheongdam.

(Photo : Koeun Instagram)
Red Velvet Irene Earns People's Ire After Hanging Out With THIS Former SM Rookie

(Photo : Koeun Instagram)
Red Velvet Irene Earns People's Ire After Hanging Out With THIS Former SM Rookie

ALSO READ: Where are the Female SM Rookies Now? Current Status of Trainees Who Could Have Been aespa Members

The ex-trainee then shared snaps of the food she had with the star - a plate of kimchi fried rice and steak.

In her caption, Koeun narrated:

"The day I had a date with my beloved Joohyun unnie.

Since I got her autograph for my younger sibling, my dongsaeng even diligently laminated it to preserve it."

(Photo : Koeun Instagram)
Red Velvet Irene Earns People's Ire After Hanging Out With THIS Former SM Rookie

As soon as the post was uploaded, the two immediately drew attention, with fans expressing how delighted they were to see that they have maintained their closeness even after Koeun left the agency.

Koeun was a popular SM Entertainment trainee who almost debuted in Red Velvet and aespa. She started at the young age of 11, but after not being able to debut in Red Velvet, she was officially introduced in 2015 as SM Rookies, a pre-debut trainees group exposed to idol works, such as hosting, singing, dancing and more ahead of their official debut.

(Photo : Koeun (Instagram))

(Photo : Koeun (Instagram))

Koeun's popularity increased when she was acknowledged for her vocal skills, which she was able to show through Mickey Mouse Club.

While there was high expectation she would become the leader of aespa after not making it into Red Velvet, Koeun left after not making it in the final lineup once again. She decided to pursue her studies instead while also working as a model.

Even after she left the K-pop scene, fans are happy that Koeun is keeping in touch with SM Entertainment artists like Red Velvet Yeri, aespa Karina, and now Irene.

Red Velvet Irene Earns Sour Reactions After Meeting Koeun

(Photo : Irene (topstarnews))

Unfortunately, what was supposed to be a heartwarming reunion between two didn't sit well with fans, with Irene earning people's ire.

Apparently, people are accusing Irene of using Koeun to make her image better amid the criticism she still gets due to her past "gapjil" controversy, where she verbally abused a veteran editor in 2020.

(Photo : Koeun (Instagram))

Even after three years since she apologized and reflected on her actions, some remain angered by her mistake, and continue to accuse her of jeopardizing Red Velvet's popularity.

Back then, Red Velvet was earning huge recognition due to their hit release "Pyscho" when her controversy erupted, and it affected the group's schedules.

(Photo : Irene (preciousrenebae))

• "Stop mentioning this power-tripping bxtch, I'm not curious."
• "You are still fangirling over Irene but if Jennie did the same thing, you would have buried her alive."
• "When she was successful, she didn't even care about those trainees but now she sees how there's nobody left around her. She's reaping what she sowed."
• "What a strange world where the perpetrator eats well and lives well... It's a pity that the victims of power abuse make extreme decisions and live in pain."
• "Why did you say bad things about Kim Garam while still fangirling over Irene? Garam only did it once, but isn't it power-tripping worse?"

READ MORE: Red Velvet Irene Returns as ‘CF Queen’ for Indonesian Brand, Sparks Mixed Reactions

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Written by Eunice Dawson.