Choi Yena Hit With Backlash For “Hate Rodrigo” — Korean Netizens And Critics Weigh In

Korean listeners criticized Choi Yena‘s “Hate Rodrigo.”

On June 28, music critic and part of the Korean Music Awards‘ selection committee Jung Min Jae posted his review of Choi Yena’s latest single, controversially titled “Hate Rodrigo.”

최예나의 신곡 'Hate Rodrigo'. 과감하게 동시대 아티스트의 실명을 거론하고, 차용한 것이 분명해 보이는 콘셉트와 아트워크를 보며 어떤 곡이 나올까 궁금했는데 너무 재미없고 납작한 직접 인용이라 실망스럽다. 이건 오마주도, 패러디도 아닌 낯뜨거운 패스티시 수준이다.https://t.co/wKTdXjZJqh

— 정민재 (@minjae_jung) June 27, 2023

I was curious to listen to “Hate Rodrigo” due to the fact that Choi Yena boldly mentions the name of her contemporary and the artwork and concept are obviously influenced by her. But the song is so boring and flat. The song is neither an homage nor a parody but an embarrassing pastiche.

— Jung Min Jae

Previously, fans were taken aback when it was revealed that the idol would be releasing a song titled “Hate Rodrigo.” Some wondered if Choi Yena was targeting Olivia Rodrigo.

Choi Yena would late explain that the song was not a diss song but that it was made out of admiration for the global singer.

Choi Yena Sets The Record Straight About Olivia Rodrigo Inspired Song, “Hate Rodrigo”

Despite this, it seems listeners aren’t too impressed with the song. Many condemned the single as a cheap marketing ploy and criticized both singer and the label for being short-sighted.

• “I think their plan failed…”
• “Hate is a stronger word than dislike in English. I think it’s completely understandable why fans would be upset.”
• “Honestly, if someone sang about hating my bias while copying all of her concepts, music, and moves, I would hate them… The song is insulting to Olivia Rodrigo and her fans, as well as an insult to the fans who have supported Choi Yena until now.”
• “The song used the hashtag #haterodrigo, so when you type in ‘Rodrigo’, the word ‘hate’ comes up… That’s a hashtag you would use when canceling someone.”
• “Does that mean we can release a song called Hate Yena because she’s pretty, and I’m jealous of her? Seriously, have some common sense… Why did they choose (the title)?…”
• “Their marketing ploy failed.”
• “I’m pretty sure everyone she worked with knew what Hate means, LOL. This is simply a marketing ploy. I bet her (Olivia Rodrigo’s) fans hate the fact that when they type her name, Yena’s song comes out.”
• “Why is her label so brainless?”
• “What is wrong with her? I’m sure she would hate it if someone released a song titled, Hate Yena.”

What are your thoughts? You can check out the song in the link below.