Former LOONA Chuu’s New Agency Faces Fierce Backlash From Fans
Following her tumultuous departure from Blockberry Creative, Chuu — former member of LOONA — has continued to receive strong support from her fans under her new agency. However, a recent development involving the newly formed company, ATRP, has sparked controversy and disappointment among her fanbase.
ATRP, Chuu’s current agency, recently posted the digital cover for her latest release, “A Beautiful Farewell.” Though the cover was more than aesthetically pleasing, fans quickly noticed something amiss with it. The image depicted a simple drawing of a teary-eyed character in an Anime style.
[💿]#CHUU #츄 | 아름다운 이별 – I am Re:Born # 1
지금 바로 모든 음원 사이트에서 감상하실 수 있습니다🎧🌼🎵MELON | https://t.co/GPUZ1jI6p2
🎵GENIE | https://t.co/Y0cgrevsES
🎵FLO | https://t.co/8XH9TO6hzF
🎵BUGS | https://t.co/ZRHQhS8NAO
🎵VIBE | https://t.co/yK9jIdrYWi pic.twitter.com/8VjPuhGifU— CHUU (@chuu_atrp) December 10, 2023
However, suspicions arose that the artwork was created using AI, not by a human artist. The allegations led to immediate backlash from fans.
chuu with ai art… artms with nfts… pic.twitter.com/cixIhQRDTF
— VP of Diversity and Inclusion at Chuu Inc (@comradejiwoo) December 11, 2023
In a detailed critique, one fan highlighted specific aspects of the drawing — such as inconsistent coloring and irregular line work — which they believed indicated the use of AI in its creation. This only fueled the controversy further.
AI 이미지 말고 정당하게 외주 맡긴 이미지로 교체하십시오
아티스트 이미지에도 마이너스에요🥺
오래 좋아하고 싶습니다 https://t.co/0nSqcmpb1l pic.twitter.com/tkZaNpNVDA— 이연소 (@Dearest_pluto) December 10, 2023
The use of AI-generated art in place of human artists has been a contentious issue. Fans and critics argue that it undermines the value of human creativity and skill. They contend that AI art lacks the personal touch and emotional depth that human artists are capable of bringing to their work.
I want more people to openly tell AI bros off like this. I love that they're like "we didn't mean anything by just showing this off" and then when asked what their goal is they literally say "a machine that can draw like humans". The goal of AI art/theft was always to replace us. https://t.co/37cTu8LqT8
— Gabi Rodea (@TheGabiType) December 10, 2023
Fan reactions on Twitter echoed these sentiments, expressing disappointment and disapproval.
the AI art on the cover.. https://t.co/ICNBLgWX7p pic.twitter.com/0aYcQ6hsIr
— zaynu 💄 feeling JOLLY!! (@hyejumywife) December 10, 2023
Some comments urged the agency to employ real artists, criticizing the decision as disrespectful to professional illustrators and detrimental to Chuu’s brand.
please stop using AI art and hire real artists instead!! that's really disrespectful towards illustrators and damaging for Chuu's brand
— ællie 4 STEPH DAY!! ★ (@burgerjuns) December 10, 2023
Others pointed out that the agency could have chosen to use a photograph or commissioned artwork from human artists, questioning the decision to support AI art over human creativity.
why the ai art though??? it looks cheap, why not hire real artists to do the cover art or simply use a photo instead? very disappointing :/
— leeloo¹² (@sensitivevivi) December 10, 2023
how come u have an entire team of creative artists and designers and support ai. do u guys hate ur artists?????????? https://t.co/8zdPxVOVfa pic.twitter.com/irlxnkspUh
— soul ♡ (@soul_oec) December 10, 2023
In light of the intense backlash from fans, it remains to be seen if and how ATRP will respond to these concerns. This situation poses a significant challenge for the newly formed agency, as they must now decide whether to address and potentially revise their approach to art creation in future projects, taking into account the strong sentiments of the star’s fanbase.
