Kim Chaewon's status, two years after IZ*ONE's voting manipulation issue broke out, is being re-examined by K-netizens in an online community forum.

Kim Chaewon Mocked for Living 'Easy Life' After IZ*ONE Voting Manipulation Scandal

On October 18, LE SSERAFIM's leader Kim Chaewon became a hot topic on various online forums — but for the wrong reason.

In particular, she drew the attention when internet users uploaded articles about the idol, recalling how she allegedly debuted as an IZ*ONE member in 2019 due to voting manipulation.

(Photo : Instagram: @_chaechae_1)

ALSO READ: Ahn Joon Young Confessed That Members of IZ*one And X1 Were All Decided Through Fraud

In 2020, the controversy sparked, which led to the group's disbandment in 2021. The names of the victims were announced but the rigged members weren't really revealed by the media, aside from the companies involved.

At the time, Kim Chaewon was speculated to be one of the rigged members, recalling her performance and little exposure throughout the show. Yet, miraculously, she was able to enter the final debuting lineup.

(Photo : twitter|@le_sserafim@)

In the online community then, an OP wrote:

"Kim XX (Chaewon) is indeed living such an easy life."

The initial post explained:

"She was never part of the debut unit and she had little to no screen time. Despite that, she debuted after rigging her ranking and she became popular and succeeded.

She was able to re-debut under a huge company (HYBE as LE SSERAFIM) and since the visual member (Kim Garam) was embroiled in school violence, she filled in the center position."

(Photo : Chaewon (Kpop Wiki))

The OP continued:

"Even if she did her xx, her supporters claim that she's natural. She has a cute image, so she pretends to act all innocent and fans buy it.

Seriously, her life must be so easy. Imagine if you used this logic when entering the university entrance exam, you get to enter the university after rigging the test results. Imagine getting the top students expelled from graduate school while they get to eat well. But a bunch of bxtches continues to give her money and treat her like a master.

I freaking envy xx (Chaewon's) life."

FEARNOTs React to Kim Chaewon Being Labeled as 'Rigged Idol'

(Photo : IZ*ONE (K-pop Wiki))

Following the articles, FEARNOTs (LE SSERAFIM fandom) have divided opinions over Kim Chaewon.

Some agreed with the OP and continued to criticize Chaewon for allegedly being involved in the voting manipulation.

• "Kim Chaewon is really... I can't shield her. When I see her face, I think of the victims and their lives that were stolen."
• "The life she stole is a legend."
• "I understand her desire to debut, but if you get in fraudulently, that's a problem. If you trampled on someone else's opportunity, I don't know."
• "They paid all compensations to the victims? Is money the only reward? How about their lost dreams? It's a shame but not everything can be solved by money."

(Photo : Instagram: @_chaechae_1)

On the flip side, Chaewon's fans jumped to her defense.

• "It's been over two years since it happened and you all are still doing it. Just stop it."
• "What are you talking about? Where did your source come from?"
• "I don't think it's right to criticize the singer, but I think it's right to blame the producer and agency that made the decision."
• "All of that is useless. What are you going to do now? Life is luck."

What are your thoughts in this situation?

READ MORE: LIGHTSUM Chowon Opens Up on Real Rank in IZ*ONE Without 'Produce 48' Vote Manipulation

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Written by Eunice Dawson.