[T/W: Mentions of bullying, school violence, death, suicide]

K-netz and international fans are discussing if it's acceptable to consume content from K-pop idols with bullying controversies.

Here's what people are saying.

Is Consuming Content from K-pop Idols with Bullying Allegations Makes One an Accomplice?

On October 16, a netizen established an open discussion titled, "People consuming from celebrities with school violence allegations are also accomplices vs. it's not."

The author then followed up a screenshot of news articles, which displayed Hyunjin of Stray Kids and Kim Garam, a former member of LE SSERAFIM.

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For further context, Hyunjin was accused of being a bully during his school days. On February 22, 2021, an anonymous netizen posted on a forum accusing Hyunjin of bullying students online, as well as sending out inappropriate remarks, and abusive language.

Regarding Garam, the ex-LE SSERAFIM member was also accused of bullying in April 2022, when numerous schoolmates alleged the idol's wrongdoings. This eventually led to Garam's withdrawal from the group on July 20.

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However, in the post, the original author revealed that the sentiment came from a tragic case separate from the K-pop industry. OP then shared a screenshot of a report, which relayed the news of YouTuber Pyo Hye Rim's death.

The OP also captioned:

"I do think that supporting these idols would make you an accomplice.

Even when you're aware of their school violence scandals, you still choose to turn a blind eye and consume their content. The supply is coming in because the demand is there."

[Content Warning: disturbing imagery ahead]

On October 10, YouTuber and school bullying victim Pyo Hye Rim passed away. She was 27 years old. According to sources, the Busan Fire Department and police authorities shared that she went missing earlier.

However, after finding her body, the woman was identified as Pyo Hye Rim. The YouTuber was rushed to the hospital, but unfortunately, she was pronounced dead.

Earlier on the same day (October 10), before her death, Pyo Hye Rim posted a video recounting her experiences with bullying in her school days, from elementary school to high school. The YouTuber also filed a petition with the Blue House to abolish laws that protect school bullies.

First Claim: Fans Who Consume Content or Defend Accused Idols Are Accomplices

In the forum, netizens concluded that fans who consume content from idols accused of school violence are accomplices.

•  "The fact their fans start getting defensive to shield them every time they get called out makes them accomplices."
•  "I don't think they're accomplices, but they are secondary perpetrators."

Second Claim: Fans Who Attack Victims Are Also Accomplices, While Others Are Bystanders

However, some netters stated that fans who attack victims and defend the accused are the real accomplices, while fans who remain quiet are bystanders. Here's what they said:

•  "The fans who shield them and follow up secondary assaults on the victim are accomplices. The fans who are just fans are bystanders."
•  "Seeing how some flood messages towards the victims, then they're accomplices."
•  "Those who are idle are bystanders. Those who shield them are accomplices."
•  "Consuming their content makes you more of an enabler than an accomplice. You're an accomplice if you defend them and attack the victim online."

Others were baffled as to why some fans defend their favorite idols despite sustaining bullying accusations.

•  "I do find it odd seeing how people defend these bullies. Many people have ended their lives for being bullying victims, and you support them? Gross."
•  "International fans are the first ones to defend them because they've never experienced Korean school violence. They don't take these victims seriously."

What are your thoughts on this? Tell us in the comments below.

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Written by Riely Miller