In an unexpected twist ahead of a highly anticipated K-pop debut, fans have launched a striking protest against one of the members of Starship Entertainment’s upcoming boy group, IDID. The focus of the backlash is Park Jun Hwan, a trainee whose inclusion in the final lineup—determined through the agency’s recent survival show Debut Plan—has now become a point of intense controversy.
While Debut Plan concluded with excitement and fanfare, troubling claims about Park’s past have thrown the group’s debut into turmoil. Several anonymous individuals, alleging to be former classmates, have come forward online with serious accusations regarding Park’s behavior during his school years. These include disturbing claims of misogynistic conduct and s*xual exploitation.
The accusers have shared what they claim are screenshots, messages, and conversations implicating Park in inappropriate behavior. Allegations include boasting about s*xual encounters, reportedly engaging in intimate acts on school grounds, and even one incident where he allegedly disregarded a partner’s request to use protection—raising serious questions about consent and respect.
Adding further fuel to the fire are alleged photos from someone claiming to be a former girlfriend of Park. Although the authenticity of these images remains unconfirmed, they have sparked further outrage online. Despite the growing storm, Starship Entertainment has yet to release any statement or comment regarding the situation.
In response, a group of concerned fans has organized a symbolic protest—sending funeral wreaths to the company’s headquarters. This form of protest, though dramatic, has become a known method in the K-pop world to demand accountability. The wreaths, traditionally used in somber memorial settings, are not meant as threats, organizers say, but rather a bold visual plea for Park Jun Hwan’s removal from the debut lineup.
The campaign is quickly gaining momentum across social media, with fans across the globe posting in multiple languages and encouraging others to contribute. The protest highlights a growing demand for transparency and accountability in the K-pop industry, especially regarding the behavior of idols and trainees.
For now, all eyes are on Starship Entertainment. As the silence from the agency grows louder, so do the voices demanding action. With the debut of IDID on the horizon, the decision Starship makes in response to this controversy may not only shape the future of Park Jun Hwan—but also set a precedent for how similar issues are handled within the industry moving forward.