sunflowerminhyuk reblogged

hoshees

ALL / ABOUT // LUV ///

sunflowerminhyuk reblogged

kihoney

happy new year monsta x and monbebe!

2019 has been a rollercoaster but let’s not forget all we accomplished together as one family. 2020 will be monsta x’s year and we will forever be by their side. the happiest number is 7. never forget that.

sunflowerminhyuk reblogged

fymonsta-x

[ARTICLE] Monsta X: Being a K-Pop Idol in the Age of Online Harassment

When members of popular K-pop idol group, Monsta X, fell victim to a crime rampant in the digital age, the industry witnessed a response that is rarely ever seen K-pop.

I discuss two aspects of being a K-Pop idol in this article: first, how they are more susceptible to cyber bullying and second, the changing definition of an ‘idol’.

A. The Cyber Bullying Epidemic

Quick Context

Right around the time when Monsta X released their latest album Follow: Find You on October 28, 2019, one of the most prominent member of the group, Wonho, was charged with various accusations made via social media ranging from mocking the feminist Me Too movement to unpaid debt, theft and cannabis consumption from nearly 6 years, before the beginning of his celebrity career. The accusations came in one after another within a span of a few days leading to immense backlash from a very riled up public.

Eventually, on October 31, just three days after the release of their album, Wonho withdrew himself from the group.

But it didn’t end there.

Monsta X’s leader, Shownu’s private life details were leaked online by the same two accusers of Wonho, for which he too received a lot of hate from the public.

In a country where one’s reputation or ‘face’ can make or break a person, having such allegations labeled against anyone could bear a serious blow to one career and societal standing.

Before proceeding any further, it is important to note that the accusations against Wonho and Shownu were not supported by any evidence or proof. Neither was any statement provided by any enforcement authority. Monsta X’s management agency has since clarified some of the accusation as being a case of misunderstanding and are currently in the process of taking legal action against the parties involved.

The Age of Online Harassment

The initial few accusatory posts about the Monsta X members were enough to light up the embers and create a firestorm of what can only be seen as online slander and harassment.

Online forums were inundated with endless malicious comments, fake twitter accounts were created for the sole purpose of spreading more misinformation and slander, false news with misleading information was published, manipulated photographs were circulated, videos taken out of contexts were shared and the comment sections on Korean news reporting were inundated with slanderous comments from trolls and disgruntled public alike. Despite the fact that the false nature of the accusation had been clarified.

Online harassment and cyber bullying is a widespread problem especially in the digitally advanced South Korean society. A simple search on the internet yields how no one- from a school going child to an adult individual is out of its grasps.

Public figures especially, are easy prey for cyber bullies with several people having been fallen victim to it over the years. Renowned music producer, Tablo, was subjected to similar online (and offline) harassment nearly ten years ago which pushed him into a year long state of reclusiveness. More recently, the nation was shook with the suicide of a popular female idol who had been victimised by cyber bullies for years.

Reasons for proliferation of cyber bullying in South Korea are complex, yet it is believed to be tied to the conservative and strict, hierarchical and competitive culture. In a fast moving society built upon traditionally conservative idea, stress runs high amongst individuals. And the freedom and anonymity of the internet becomes a gateway to release pent up frustration. Add to this the lack of accountability and enforcement of laws and the internet becomes a breeding ground for online bullies.

Public figures have spoken out time and again how damaging and taxing online harassment can be for mental well being and this is backed by more than enough research available on the issue. But there is a silver lining to the story. South Korea has been taking stronger stance on cyber bullying over time and political parties are actively pushing reformative agenda. Artist management agencies have also been gradually taking a stricter stance on online slander by reporting individuals to the enforcement authorities.

Full article on medium.com

sunflowerminhyuk reblogged

fymonsta-x

This is Wonho.

First, I would like to apologize for not being able to keep the promise that I would only provide good memories and for causing pain to fans.

Furthermore, I apologize for causing concern to many people due to my personal issues.

I have received undeserving blessings and love while promoting as a MONSTA X member. I sincerely thank you for making precious memories for me. To the members who worked hard with me and stayed with me, I would like to tell them that I’m thankful and that I love them. [I would also like to show them] my apologetic heart.

There was a time when I was immature and have made big and small mistakes, but after becoming a trainee and making my debut, I stayed on track and worked hard to avoid being ashamed of myself.

I am announcing that I am leaving MONSTA X today.

I am apologetic for causing harm to the members due to the unfortunate issues related to me. More than anything, I am sorry for disappointing my fans, who believed in me.

I have reached this decision after seeing many people having a hard time because of me.

In addition to our members, I once again sincerely bow my head in apology to the fans who have believed in me and supported me.

Please give strength to MONSTA X. The members have nothing to do with me. I carefully ask that you at least give support and encouragement to the members. They are people who are too good to stop and get hurt like this because of someone like me. I am so thankful and apologetic to the staff, members, and lastly our fans who have allowed me to enjoy such happiness until this point.