K-drama "The Red Sleeve", concluded its airing on January 1, 2022, and people are upset after noticing that ITZY member Lia's OST "Always Be Your Star" was not used in the drama. Keep on reading for all the details.

'The Red Sleeve' Draws Criticism for Airing Last Episode Without Using ITZY Lia OST 'Always Be Your Star'

Back on December 30, it was announced that ITZY member Lia would release her first-ever solo OST "Always Be Your Star" for the K-drama "The Red Sleeve" on January 3. The song would be included in the official soundtrack of the MBC drama. As the news was announced days before the episode's finale, many expected to hear Lia's voice at the last episode.

On January 1, 2022, "The Red Sleeve" finished airing with two final episodes playing back-to-back. In total, the show's finale ran for nearly three hours, and several excited MIDYZs (ITZY's fan base) watched it all, hoping to catch a glimpse of Lia's song. Unfortunately, however, the show concluded without using the song in any scene.

(Photo : ITZY Instagram)

Following the show's airing, Lia took to Bubble to calm the disappointed fans. She stated that it was a shame that the song did not come out in the drama, but she was happy that she could participate in the soundtrack for "The Red Sleeve." She acknowledged that MIDYZs were waiting for the OST and apologized that it could not come out.

(Photo : ITZY Bubble)

However, she looked at the bright side and promised her supporters that she would work harder to release new music. She also complimented 2PM member Junho's acting. Finally, she reminded fans that her OST will be released on January 3 and that they just had to wait a little longer to hear her solo song.

(Photo : ITZY Bubble)

Still, many were extremely upset that Lia's song was cut from the drama. Many took to Twitter to trend the keywords "WE ARE PROUD OF LIA" and "#LiaDeservesBetter." There, MIDYZs sent Lia supportive comments in the hopes of cheering her up. Others called out MBC for not using Lia's solo song despite hiring her for their soundtrack.

ALSO READ: MBC Criticized for the Arrangement of Senior and Junior Groups during the Joint Stage at 2021 MBC Gayo Daejejeon

Others also called for JYP Entertainment to protect their artists from such situations.

What do you think of the situation? Tell us in the comments below!

ITZY Recent Activities

ITZY made their official Japanese debut on December 22, 2021, with the best album, "IT'z ITZY."

(Photo : ITZY Twitter)

On September 24, 2021, ITZY released their first full-length album, "CRAZY IN LOVE," and its lead single, "LOCO." On October 15, "CRAZY IN LOVE" debuted at number 11 on the Billboard 200, making it ITZY's highest entry on the said chart.

ALSO READ: TWICE Chaeyoung Apologizes to ITZY as She Recalled their 'Awkward' Conversation During a Meal, Here's Ryujin's Response

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Written by Alexa Lewis