K-pop is an ever-evolving industry that impacts trends on social media platforms in the blink of an eye. But there’s one hashtag that has invariably made waves and sparked discussions among fans: #JYPETreatFelixFairly.
This trend was started by “Stays,” who are protesting in favor of Felix against JYPE, in the heart of the Twitter-verse.
This trending hashtag is not simply a string of words but rather a widespread demand for fair treatment from the Korean entertainment industry. What caused this wave to roar again? Join us while we investigate why #JYPETreatFelixFairly is a burning topic.
On September 27, 2023, fans of the K-pop group ‘Stray Kids’ began trending the hashtags #JYPETREATFELIXFAIRLY and #JYPE_RESPECT_FELIX. ‘Stays’ initiated the trend after noticing mistreatment by JYPE concerning Felix’s schedules. The company’s social media pages didn’t have proper promotional posts for the brands that have Felix as their ambassador. Fans also pointed out online violence and cyberbullying targeted towards him, and the company failed to take any action on it.
Why Is #JYPE_RESPECT_FELIX Trending on X (Twitter)?
When discussing the fourth generation’s biggest K-pop groups, many of us will agree that Stray Kids hold that power. It is the only fourth-generation group that gained 1.5 billion streams on Spotify in 2022 and 2023. Their journey is an odyssey of passion, power, and purpose that has captured hearts worldwide.
However, in the K-pop industry, mistreatment and sabotaging are common. A few days prior, “ARMYs Stop Sabotaging Taehyung” was trending on Twitter, and now, “JYPE Treat Felix Fairly.”
From time to time, fans of the group have noticed that the company doesn’t treat a few members fairly, especially Felix.
The rapper is widely known for his deep raspy voice, striking visuals, and flawless dancing style. Felix is also known for his extremely soft vibe and heart. Undoubtedly, with such talent, the company will gain success and recognition.
However, JYPE seems troubled with the idea of promoting Felix’s individual schedules. Stays noticed that the recent ‘Elle Korea shoot’ of Felix was not posted on the social media accounts by JYPE. This was not the only fashion collaboration of Felix that wasn’t promoted by the company; W Korea, Bulgari, GENTLE MONSTER, and more are in the same category.
Moreover, the company also failed to promote his solo tracks and collaborations with other artists, including TWICE’s Nayeon “No Problem.” Fans also pointed to the online violence and cyberbullying attacks on Felix. They complain about how the company ignores Felix’s health and doesn’t even try to protect him against the targeted hate.
Stays even pointed out loopholes in other promotions of Felix’s schedules, where links to concerned platforms were missed. Fans noticed this pattern of unfair treatment towards Stray Kids for quite a long time.
It was not the first time that the hashtag originated to voice the mismanagement issue with Felix. Stays are disappointed in the company for not protecting their beloved idol, saying,
“I’m not angry at your unfair treatment. I’m just sad. Felix works as hard as others. Why you treat him differrent? At the least you can give us some explanation so we can stop make assumptions. Please protect him from malicious rumors.
JYPE TREAT FELIX FAIRLY
#JYPE_RESPECT_FELIX”
The protest of fans against the company is in full swing while demanding protection for Felix against hateful comments and death threats as well. Through this campaign, Netizens are also becoming aware of the mismanagement issue in the Korean entertainment industry.
What are your thoughts about this side of K-pop? Let us know in the comment section.