The “Difference” In Netizens’ Reactions To Somi And LE SSERAFIM Yunjin’s “Starbucks” Controversies Sparks Debates
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Since November 2023, Starbucks has been under fire following allegations of promoting anti-Palestine ideals and reportedly terminating employees who expressed support for Palestine on social media. This led to a widespread boycott aimed at stopping the company’s alleged contributions to the ongoing genocide that was not initially included in official boycott targets.
The criticism of those continuing to engage the brand included K-Pop idols, as fans attempted to inform idols of the ongoing boycott.
LE SSERAFIM‘s Yunjin was one star recently criticized for drinking from the brand.
While entering IU’s concert, Yunjin was spotted holding a Starbucks drink, much to the fans’ disappointment. Fans reflected on the artist’s goals and desires while feeling less than satisfied with a post made after the initial criticism.
yunjin.. come the fuck on. you know better.. pic.twitter.com/TGOrI1n8Qj
— ri
(@hyevrs) March 9, 2024
However, some netizens have called out an alleged difference between how Yunjin and solo artist Jeon Somi were treated over their “Starbucks” controversies.
In late December 2023, Somi posted a makeup video that began with a sip from a reusable Starbucks cup from the company’s 2023 holiday collection. It was harshly criticized, leading to the video’s deletion and her addressing it later.
Jeon Somi Months later, according to fans, content posted by Somi has still been negatively received.
Fans commented on this, using a video praising Yunjin made only days after she was spotted with Starbucks to remark on the apparent differences in how the two were treated.
not even three days later… and after three months somi still can’t post anything without getting mass harassed
https://t.co/OB0lf3RIQf
— sandy² (@daahlis) March 12, 2024
if the main focus of this isn’t defending yunjin then where was this energy when it was somi that was getting harassed https://t.co/WB7Vd5RqNo
— sandy² (@daahlis) March 11, 2024
However, this unlocked another layer of debates over idols and pro-Palestine boycotts.
Yunjin and Somi were compared likely because they are both Americans and are perceived to have more knowledge of the ongoing protests, resulting in what some have called biased criticism.
Some netizens felt that other idols who engaged with boycotted brands were not treated as harshly as Yunjin and Somi, whose criticism moved to “fan war” type insults about their talents and appearances rather than holding them accountable.
can we talk about how idols like yunjin and somi are the only ones catching heat for drinking sbs bc they should "know better" but coincidently all these other idols aren't? why are we being being biased now simply bc of where they were born/raised geographically
— kkura monthᵎᵎ ฅ^._.^ฅ
(@eunkkuras) March 14, 2024
why are only idols who are english speakers beign harassed for drinking sb? First somi, now yunjin. We know they're not the only idols who have done this but somehow when it's a non english speaker no one cares. We should hold all of them accountable without harassing them.
— Nico
(@tylsw13) March 13, 2024
Yunjin is only harassed this bad because she’s a native english speaker and korean-american, so is Somi. Kpop stan’s didn’t bat an eye when other kpop artists who are from Korea were caught with starbucks. The hateful spirit only overshadowed native english speakers smh
— Vic
(@vxictoria_xx) March 13, 2024
At the same time, netizens have used BLACKSWAN Fatou‘s knowledge of the boycott to show that there is a chance that all idols, especially English-speaking ones who are more “online,” are aware of what is happening.
fatou from blackswan said “starbucks is cancelled here in korea” “we don’t like starbucks over here (in korea)”. meaning they are all very much AWARE of the global boycotting. idols who don’t boycott just don’t care about palestinian lives and solidarity and that’s just that.
— — リノ ˚◡̈⁺ ˚
"starbucks is cancelled here in korea"
, "we don’t like starbucks ", "Starbucks, boo".. blackswan fatou made it very clear, idols are aware of the boycotting and those who don’t boycott just don’t care about palestinian. They are truly disgusting pic.twitter.com/pXpXgjuskF
— Kim lip ㅇㅅㅇ (@Forkimlip__12) March 12, 2024
I love this example because if it was Fatou who was found with Starbucks she would be thrown stones and racism and cancelled but because it was an Eastern Asian, well we know how a lot of y’all LOVE to baby them especially the GROWN ones with 24/7 internet access https://t.co/lfrp1K4Ytd
— MIN MARCH
(@TanniesViews) March 11, 2024
Ultimately, it seems what most want is the focus to remain on showing support for Palestine.
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