The highly anticipated show The Idol, featuring Lily Depp Rose and Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, popularly known as The Weeknd, has been generating controversy and disgust among South Korean netizens.

Also read | The Weeknd: Net worth, age, relationship, career, family and more

The dark theme of the show, which revolves around the struggles of a budding pop star, has raised concerns, especially regarding the involvement of BLACKPINK’s Jennie in a supporting role. As the initial reviews of the first two episodes surfaced, K-pop fans expressed their disappointment and disgust towards Jennie’s character.

The Idol, created by The Weeknd, Reza Fahim, and Sam Levinson, aims to showcase the journey of an aspiring pop star determined to regain her fame. The creators and cast recently held a screening at the 76th Cannes Film Festival, where the first two episodes were showcased. Following the screening, Variety published a brief review describing the show’s dark theme and provocative scenes, including revenge porn and explicit content.

Upon reading the review, South Korean netizens took to social media to voice their concerns. One Twitter user questioned Jennie’s involvement, asking why she decided to appear in the show. Another expressed the need to save Jennie from the creators, labeling the situation as concerning. Some netizens even accused the show’s director and writers of deceiving the actors by completely changing the show’s direction.

The disappointment expressed by K-pop fans extended beyond Jennie’s involvement. Some fans stated that the show would tarnish BLACKPINK’s image, while others mentioned feeling uncomfortable and unable to separate The Weeknd’s music from the controversial content of the show.

Also read | Who is The Weeknd?

The negative reception from South Korean netizens raises questions about the potential impact on The Idol and its associated artists. The backlash highlights the importance of considering cultural sensitivities and audience expectations, especially when involving popular K-pop idols in international projects.

As the release date of The Idol approaches, it remains to be seen how the controversy surrounding Jennie’s character will affect the show’s viewership and reception. The creators and cast may face the challenge of addressing the concerns raised by fans while staying true to their artistic vision.

Ultimately, the success and impact of The Idol will be determined by its storytelling, performances, and ability to engage viewers worldwide.