On December 20, 2024, Jinusean made headlines online after their performance at the KBS Song Festival became the center of a heated online debate. Allegations against Jinusean, a legendary hip-hop duo, flooded social media for "inappropriately checking out" Wooyoung from IVE.
The controversy unfolded after Jinusean and IVE's Wooyoung live stage performance at the event. The claims originated from short clips circulated online, where the duo was seen looking at Wooyoung while interactively delivering their raps. Some viewers speculated about their intent based on body language, igniting a wave of backlash.
However, netizens quickly countered these allegations, highlighting the playful and lighthearted nature of the exchange. Many netizens argued that the accusations were baseless and stemmed from people being overly sensitive. The duo's long-standing reputation for professionalism and respect was cited as evidence against the claims.
"people just being way too sensitive lol they are all professionals and were literally just following the og stage like it was supposed to be and wonyoung literally enjoyed it too she looked so happy to be trying a different concept and personally i loved the stage too"
Fans quickly rallied in their defense, dismissing the claims as an overreaction. They underscored that the rapper duo is known as one of the most respectful male idols in the K-pop fraternity.
"The heck? I was a yg family stan before and there were never any probs with jinusean. Y does ppl nowadays overthink everything? So are they supposed to perform with each other without any eye contact or chemistry on stage?" one fan wrote.
"If wonyoung would be uncomfortable, she wouldn't have collaborated with them, the original choreography was always like that and jinusean were always respectful," another fan wrote.
"Wtf??? Jinusean are one of the most respected artist of YG. Actually WY are so lucky to perform with JNS," one other fan added.
Others expressed frustration over how quickly misunderstandings can snowball in the digital age. They criticized those who made "baseless" assumptions over a simple stage performance.
"Can someone tell me where wonyoung looks uncomfortable cause im having a hard time seeing it," a fan commented.
"Fans are just way too protective of their idols nowadays. Who would want to collaborate with your faves if you all keep acting like that? Little movements already bother you, what if they end up doing something like Troublemaker? Your mouths will probably foam," another fan noted.
"Jinusean is one of the most unproblematic male seniors. Both are happily married, respected and respectful. I’ve never heard of any female artist complaining about them. WY does not also look uncomfortable. Why are fans these days easy to jump into baseless accusations… smh," one other fan remarked.
More about K-pop pioneering duo Jinusean, who collaborated with 4th generation IVE's Wooyoung
Jinusean, comprising members Jinu and Sean, debuted in 1997 under YG Entertainment and is considered one of the pioneering groups in Korean hip-hop. Known for their fusion of rap and catchy beats, hits like Tell Me, A-YO and Phone Number gained massive popularity and solidified their place in K-pop history.
Their playful energy and impactful lyrics helped them stand out during a time when Korean music was dominated by ballads and pop. Though their activities slowed in the 2000s, the duo remains respected figures in the industry, with Sean actively engaging in philanthropy.
Wooyoung, a member of the successful girl group IVE, debuted in December 2021 under Starship Entertainment. The group has released multiple fan-favorite songs, including Love Dive and I Am. Their latest release, Off the Record (2023), Take It (2024), gained further acclaim. Meanwhile, their 2024 album, I've Switch, including tracks like Accendio & WOW, ranked No. 2 on the Circle Chart.
In other news, IVE is set to release a new album in January 2025.