Fans Trend “We Stand With LOONA” To Show Support For The Members’ “Friendship And Bravery”
On November 25, BlockBerry Creative announced that Chuu had been kicked out of LOONA due to “verbal abuse and power-trip tendencies” directed at the staff. Almost immediately, many different staff members that have directly worked with Chuu shared their personal experiences working with the idol, clearly dismissing the idea that she had ever been anything but incredibly kind to them.
Although BlockBerry Creative’s sudden announcement surprised fans, netizens had been worried about Chuu’s position in LOONA for a while. Concern among fans started when it was rumored that Chuu filed a suspension of her exclusive contract with BlockBerry Creative in March of 2022.
From there, Chuu was noticeably absent in upcoming events for the group, such as the first-ever world tour, the Japanese single “LUMINOUS,” and even the mobile game SuperStar LOONA.
Since her removal from the group, Chuu has updated her social media account to express her gratitude for her fans and reassure them that she has “not done anything to embarrass the fans.”
The members of LOONA have also been incredibly supportive of Chuu following the shocking news, with Hyunjin directly messaging fans despite their concerns, and Gowon and Heejin sharing their support during recent fan calls.
On November 28, BlockBerry Creative made another announcement, explaining that “the right to reveal the evidence [of Chuu’s alleged abuse] rests with Chuu and the abused staff member.” The company also expressed that “If (Chuu) would like to correct what was stated,” it is her responsibility, not the company’s.
Like BlockBerry Creative’s initial statement, the new statement was again met with backlash from netizens who suggested that it is proof “they don’t have any evidence” of the alleged abuse.
Later on November 28, BlockBerry Creative had to release another statement, denying rumors that LOONA, except Vivi and Hyunjin, were reportedly filing an injunction to suspend their exclusive contracts. According to the report from JTBC, the remaining nine members made the decision because of a lack of trust between the company and the group.
However, even though BlockBerry Creative denied the reports, stating that “They are not true,” netizens are hesitant to believe the response. In October, YTN reported that Chuu was setting up her own one-person agency, which BlockBerry Creative had also denied at the time.
While Vivi and Hyunjin were not reported to have filed an injunction, fans believe that it is temporary because Vivi uses a work visa, and it would take time to apply for a new one. Similarly, Hyunjin is currently one of the panelists for MBC‘s 2022 FIFA Qatar World Cup Preview Show Catharsis, and fans are assuming the idol has to wait until the show is finished airing.
hyunjin being busy with the qatar show makes sense and for vivi, I guess it's because she's on a work visa?
— 영러브 (@youngsIuv) November 28, 2022
hyunjin and vivi are the two members that would make sense if their contracts are a bit more complicated. hyunjin has been there for so long and vivi is a foreigner, so i wouldn’t doubt it’s more difficult for them to suspend theirs, especially for vivi to file lawsuit
— yves is just my friend guys (@suguyamie) November 28, 2022
Although fans are heartbroken for Chuu and LOONA, exposing the continued mistreatment the members have suffered, including not receiving payment for their activities, they are rallying together to support the members for their actions.
Not only are fans insistent that LOONA is still twelve members…
12 or nothing #WeStandWithLOONA pic.twitter.com/ULNWDQZimq
— hyeju videos in my camera roll (@hyejuonfilm) November 28, 2022
twelve forever
I love you always~ 💗#JusticeForChuu #WeStandWithLoona
pic.twitter.com/uqExLdEuA6— peach 🌱 #LOONAIS12 (@Iovelygowon) November 28, 2022
Loona is twelve and forever will be. 🫶#JusticeForChuu#WeStandWithLoona pic.twitter.com/FBVehyzYqc
— LOONA IS TWELVE (@Pingguu_7) November 28, 2022
But fans are proud of Chuu and LOONA for standing up for themselves and reportedly taking action against BlockBerry Creative’s mistreatment.
The best day of my life being an orbit all the girls together suing BBC😭 I really hope they pay for all the mistreatment and everything they have done to them #JusticeForChuu #WeStandWithLOONA pic.twitter.com/cVRe6SXUXy
— guan LOONA FREEDOM (@iwantchuusobad) November 28, 2022
Can we just appreciate how the girls stood up and did what they had to do. They probably couldn’t stand BBC spreading malicious excuse about their girl, Chuu and did this once and for all. LOONA is TWELVE and will always be. #WeStandWithLOONA #WeStandWithChuu #ProtectLOONA pic.twitter.com/4BzCNzgBJt
— #WeStandWithLOONA | 12 OR NONE ! ✩‧₊ (@barksforhyejoo) November 28, 2022
This is game changing in the history of Kpop. Brands/companies not dropping an idol after allegations, but instead jumping to defend her. Members choosing to leave in solidarity. The girls will be triumphant! Keep fighting the good fight orbits! #WeStandWithLOONA #JusticeForChuu
— I❤️MOONGIRLS🌔 | LOONA is 12 (@ilovemoongirls) November 28, 2022
reading the comments under 9-member filing the injunction article is so therapeutic.. so many non-fans praising and impressed by their friendship and bravery, some of them even say they'll stan/support loona once they re-debut again 🥹
— ❤️🔥 (@bluebettasoul) November 28, 2022
Fans themselves have also started “boycotting” BlockBerry Creative by refusing to stream LOONA’s work, buy their merchandise, or even play SuperStar LOONA. Although they want to support LOONA, fans argue that since BlockBerry Creative isn’t paying the members anyway, it will only help to show their disagreement with the company’s actions.
I think what we should do is definitely boycott. also we need to spread awareness about loona’s mistreatment in every social media platform to help their case out. we need that to go viral so they can have a chance to break their contracts
— raquel (@Ioonarverse) November 27, 2022
as much as it pains me to say it i think it's time to seriously boycott loona. bbc will pretend like nothing happened and will use this as a warning "see? this is what happens when you don't do what you're told". if we boycott they'll get 0 revenue, might disband and be free
— inês (@oecrush) November 25, 2022
the amount of money and dollars funded into loona merchandise means NOTHING when the girls don’t see that money!!! BOYCOTT BBC AND THAT MEANS BOYCOTTING LOONA!! stream their music on illegal platforms where their company won’t receive any income from it!! https://t.co/UUMWXtrAAh
— aespa luvr ! (@winterchrry) November 25, 2022
And with trending hashtags on Twitter, fans are also reassuring the group that they will always support them, no matter how the situation unfolds.
through thick and thin I'll be next to you, always trusting and supporting you ♡ #WeStandWithLOONA #JusticeForChuu pic.twitter.com/vKY0LTDl1Q
— tuna¹² (@jellyjindori) November 28, 2022
It’s really OT12 or none, they have been in a hardship for years because of blockberry. They shared blood, sweat and tears together. From awkward moments at the beginning until they treat each others as a family. #WeStandWithLoona #JusticeForChuu
— nvee LOONA IS 12 THAT’S ALL!!! (@jjbettafish) November 28, 2022
We’re with you girls 💗 We have your back! Don’t worry. #WeStandWithLOONA #JusticeforCHUU
— missing ot12 hours 🌙 (@applelipves) November 28, 2022
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