FNC’s Mistreatment of SF9: The Rift Amongst Fantasy

International Fantasy have brought to light the negative, and disrespectful, criticisms Korean Fantasy aimed towards SF9 in response to fancall slots. 

Originally, the number of slots for fancalls were announced as a total of five, “a notable decrease from its usual amount” per K-Fantasy’s words, but after recent events–the rallying of a protest within the Korean counterpart of the fandom–the number was supposedly increased to fifteen. 

I-Fantasy have advocated for years for the group’s management to be improved, for promotions to be better, and for overall proper treatment and care for the sake of the members’ health. However, K-Fans’ acknowledgement of the lack of promotions was not taken in regards to I-Fantasy’s concern, twisting it to their preference as they cater the issue to their satisfaction–playing the role of a victim who lacks attention from the members– rather than prioritizing the wellbeing and feelings of the SF9 members. 

[ Rough Translation: It’s just frustrating. I’ve been hurt by this situation and have been watching for years. It’s not like I didn’t convey my opinion during that time. I conveyed it directly to all the members’ faces and they ignored me. Anyway, now that they’re asking me to watch over them again, it’s frustrating. I’ve been watching for years. ]

A rift formed between I-Fantasy and K-Fantasy. 

K-Fantasy resorted to crude language, pinning the blame on SF9 when they are not the ones responsible for the number of slots provided for a fancall. Additionally, promotions and activities from a group under a company are handled by the management company, so SF9 is not the one responsible for the lack that has been occurring. 

[ Rough Translation: The lack of group content is due to the agency’s laziness (or rather, their incompetence in being the only one to take care of popular artists like Piwan and Payu). The decrease in the number of winners was the decision of the sales company after seeing the results of DWBH. In the midst of all this, the members are doing really well for Laban and From. Don’t say such sad things when you remember your original intentions. ]

The pessimistic wave surging from these fans led to four members coming online, Fancafe and Fromm, to apologize for the situation–a form of damage control, which is usually dealt by the managing company, in this case, FNC Entertainment. International Fantasy were outraged by the unjust, unrightful apologies, for the fault did not lie amongst SF9; therefore, they should not have the need to apologize.

However, silence radiates from the company, leaving the group to fend for itself.

Although apologies and reassurances were made from the members, including Dawon who’s currently enlisted in the military, and they declared they’ll “work harder and do better from now on”, K-Fans were not pleased:

[ Rough Translation: “That’s right… I hope SF9 will show through actions rather than words.” ]

Other K-Fans went as far as to bash on the group’s songs, choreography, the amount they’re active throughout the year, etc. Their remarks provide the impression of their dismissal to the effort and hard work the members frequently put out to share with their fans.

[ Rough Translation: If you say you’re active twice, that’s 14 days out of 365, which is 3.835% of a year… You’re not even active for 4% of a year… The period of time you’re asking for activity is longer than the period of activity. ]

[ Rough Translation: SF9 stop sleeping and wake up!!!!!!!!!!!! ]

[ Rough Translation: You always say that you close your eyes and ears and work hard for the company, but do you guys work hard? It’s not like we expect you to be good at choreography, and you don’t even make the basic effort to match the choreography. But you don’t even make the effort to meet your fans? It’s been a long time since you’ve just dismissed fan meetings and concerts under the name of fancons. ] 

It’s crucial to mention, though, it is not all K-Fantasy that participated in this wave of negativity. A few, as far as shown on X, sided with I-Fantasy, and they went against what other K-Fans were claiming, and instead argued along the lines of: “If you can gather up and protest for more fancall slots, why can’t you stand fight for Zuho’s inclusion?” 

[ Rough Translation: Wow. What if they fought so hard for Joo Ho’s inclusion? But since it’s only directly related to the fan signing event and the album, it doesn’t matter. That’s selfish. ]

Given that FNC Entertainment acted and listened when a majority of K-Fantasy protested against the decrease of fancall slots, it left a distaste in the minds of I-Fantasy across the globe since their efforts of protest – whether it be emails or protest trucks (i.e: Zuho’s unfair, ongoing exclusion from group activities) – have never been listened to or addressed. 

Despite not addressing issues that affect members directly, the action of increasing fancall slots didn’t go unnoticed of course, given that FNC Entertainment is known for not addressing concerns related to SF9. In prioritizing concerns that affect profit, it gives the impression that FNC Entertainment’s main goal is profit growth–not the growth of the group. With enlistment, activities have been limited, further decreasing chances of growth as a group.

Considering their main market is Korea, Korean Fantasy are accessible in contrast to international fans, who are spread across the globe. This leads FNC Entertainment to prioritize K-Fans’ concerns first, which makes it easier for the company to dismiss concerns I-Fantasy have regarding promotions, proper treatment, etc– enabling the entitlement that K-Fans carry over the members since they’re within reach unlike international fans. 

[ Rough Translation: You were watching the fantasies? I thought you didn’t have any staff at all~ You changed the number of people so easily, but you won’t let Juho do group activities… ]

Despite the adversities, it is clear K-Fans have power over FNC Entertainment. 

Several I-Fantasy took to X to remind others of SF9’s ongoing efforts as a group to always be there for Fantasy, their efforts and hard work even if some K-Fans disagree. 

Additionally, several accounts ensured to showcase their appreciation and love for the group, sending words of encouragement to reassure the group they are doing good as they are. That their efforts are seen, and that they are more than good enough just as they are.

Just as fans are humans, it’s important to remember that idols, like SF9, are humans too. Words can harm a person just as much as actions. Given how active SF9 is on several platforms, it’s imperative to remember what is said as it can harm another across the screen. SF9’s efforts are always, and will always, be appreciated and cherished by genuine fans–even if their hard work is dismissed by a handful of “fans” who prioritize their own satisfaction rather than the fandom as a whole.

This article was created by a Fan Writer and posted without edits, according to our guidelines. Views expressed are solely those of the Fan Writer and not representative of Kpopmap.
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