@1213_0115 you’re awesome, it’s very cool seeing someone be so passionate about JYP, he’s a funny guy but also very talented, I’m happy he has you as your fan <3 enjoy Argentina! keep being yourself !
My LA moots. Gentle reminder, next week -- we need to be mindful and use our turn signal, don't tailgate or honk your horn. The driver you cutoff could be Namjoon. He's new. Baby on board.
Let‘s talk about everything that came out today..
So first, the things we actually know:
At today’s Korean press conference, Jungwon was asked about contract renewal because they‘re now entering their seventh year. He said that there have been no discussions yet and that they will do their best so there can be a good outcome for the fans.
He was also asked about preparing for their first album „following the lineup change“. He said that rather than focusing on the number of members, they focused on making the final product - the album and performances - come out well.
Let‘s look how this looks like in the bigger context:
Contract renewals are one of the most emotionally charged topics you can bring up in a kpop fandom. It‘s associated with a group’s future, potential disbandment or renewal, uncertainty, etc. So even though the renewal question came from the press and technically no evidence that belift planted it or instructed the media to bring it up, having that conversation literally A DAY before the comeback is bound to create anxiety.
From a psychological perspective: anxiety about losing something and uncertainty can absolutely affect people’s behavior.
“I need to stream because what if they don’t renew?”
“I need to buy because what if this comeback fails?”
“I need to prove they can succeed as six?”
Those are fear-based questions and decisions.
Then we have the Japanese business article:
important mention: the viral interpretation saying this comeback is specifically a calculated “test for investors,” that belift is trying to “filter” the fandom, etc. is an interpretation of the business situation, not something belift has publicly admitted.
But do I personally think the broader investor/business point of view is worth considering? Yes. Is it likely this interpretation is realistic? Yes.
Belift is a business. Enhypen is a major revenue-generating asset. Of course sales, streams, fandom movements and whether the brand remains commercially strong after a lineup change matter to the company and to people evaluating the company’s performance. (investors etc)
Now look at the way this comeback has been handled:
The title track was revealed unusually early. We heard the full song before the album was even released. There isn’t a typical Korean release fan showcase like usual.. We’ve seen unusual and questionable decisions to increase sales.
Even the members have been talking about this comeback and encouraging people to support it far more and way earlier than I remember from previous eras.
The company is probably testing whether enhas commercial strength survives, even after everything that‘s happened since March.
When a company makes decisions that turns everything upside down and the response is still:
record sales/streams, sold-out everything, fans buying four versions,
fans financially showing up exactly as before,
what lesson are we expecting the company to take from that?
the consumers will stay regardless no matter what?
All of this is why i’m still boycotting.
Not because I want the boys to fail or because I don’t love them.
I just love them sm that I refuse to financially support the way they have been treated.
If belift can overwork them, mismanage them, make decisions fans have repeatedly objected to, completely restructure the group, and STILL receive exactly the same financial reward afterward, how does that give Enhypen more freedom?
A company will just look at huge numbers and conclude that the current strategy works just fine.
I’m not a robot who hears “comeback” and immediately empty my wallet, i‘m certainly not running when a company whistles.
As consumers we have the right to question decisions, where the money goes, whether we agree with the company’s behavior, and whether we want to fund it.
I will still be proud tomorrow, proud of their work!
But i refuse to fund a company that fails to do its job.
Normalize logging off instead of joining a hate train. Normalize empathy instead of harassment. Normalize remembering that people are human before they're usernames
@9yearzmildangz It got to a point where I wish I didn’t care like other fans do and just move on but… I can’t, I need to accept I’m broken hearted and my connection with them needs to mend before I can enjoy them again, I just don’t know how to :(
FOR ME, it’s obvious ENHYPEN has been having a hard time in the US.
From the members getting sick, to Ni-ki saying the company constantly keeps telling them to do more things, and now saying he misses Korea…
TODAY'S TAGS ENGENEs‼️
Pushing ENHYPEN to their physical limits is corporate misconduct. We close our wallets until you fix the schedule.
BELIFT STOP THE NEGLECT
#ENtwined_As_Seven#Boycott_HYBE_For_Misconduct
Sooo sunghoon catching COVID, jungwon saying he might be catching a cold, sunoo's health declining, lack of security, sasaengs barging in their dorms, getting followed and you STILL FUCKING FUND THE COMPANY AND SAY ENHYPEN ARE OK BC THEY "SAID SO" BITCH WAKE TF UPPPPP