Netizens Call Out WAKEONE For Mistreatment Towards Kep1er Following Their “KCON 2022” Appearance
After a grueling competition during Mnet‘s Girls Planet 999, nine incredibly talented female idols finally debuted as part of Kep1er.
Throughout the competition, all of the members shined by showcasing their talent, charisma, and visuals throughout the different rounds. So, it wasn’t surprising that netizens had high hopes for the talented idol group after they made their debut with the track, “WA DA DA.”
However, recently, netizens have raised anger over the treatment of the group by their company WAKEONE.
In a screenshot shared by multiple fans, netizens have raised concerns that Kep1er has been overworked by the company, sharing that the members have had a comeback, several overseas concerts, and promotions ever since they made their debut.
More recently, after both groups traveled to LA for KCON, fans noticed the differences in treatment and shared them online. When they were traveling to America, both groups shared pictures of their flights.
Eagle-eyed netizens noticed that not only did Kep1er have to a layover for their flights compared to fellow WAKEONE group TO1, who had a direct journey, but many believed that each group was seated in different parts of the plane. While netizens pointed out that TO1 was either in business or first class, due to the space, Kep1er seemed to be traveling economy.
the difference of their flight to LA how dare u @wakeone_offcl 😭 pic.twitter.com/1fbOAr7w2Q
— ☀️💜 (@shine_sxt) August 23, 2022
Many also believed that while the members were performing, WAKEONE didn’t give them outfits to match their schedules. While most groups had several changes, Kep1er had the same outfit for both the various stages and schedules with fans. The only change was when they performed a cover of IZ*ONE‘s “La Vie en Rose.”
shut up….to1 had two different outfits for each day meanwhile kep1er only had one outfit for both days of kcon……wtfffffff. was it too difficult to bring another pair of clothes for each kep1er member or what?
— jenny | missing youngeun & kep1er (@syeplus) August 22, 2022
Even after returning to Korea, netizens thought that Kep1er wasn’t being treated well. While most groups have staff who help them with their luggage, the members of Kep1er seemed to have to carry their luggage by themselves through the busy airport.
Yet, a majority of the concerns raised have come after seeing the alleged difference in treatment between Kep1er and TO1 during normal schedules.
In various tweets from netizens, they shared how they believed that the two groups were being treated very differently during promotions, videos, and activities on social media. Although there is a gap between when the groups debuted, many believe that both are equally as successful and should be treated with the same respect.
this is insane pic.twitter.com/G3LSM6QoWC
— mīna (@yuchaehive) August 22, 2022
never make it a problem before but after you compare it, the difference effort for the thumbnail only… pic.twitter.com/lxCifln3Kl
— nala (@daayoni) August 22, 2022
the difference in audio, editing camera, and content quality in general is even more shocking pic.twitter.com/MACsz6YLF4
— mīna (@yuchaehive) August 22, 2022
Yet, although netizens have been comparing the treatment of Kep1er to fellow WAKEONE artist TO1, many want to emphasize that the criticism isn’t towards the group but the company.
Many also pointed out that amidst removing and adding members, changing their group name, and other issues, TO1 has also been treated poorly by WAKEONE.
PLEASE READ:As kep1ians who loves our 9 girls and want the best for them we should voice our concern and anger towards the company WAKEONE Kep1er is their only group to be treated in this miserable way low budget mvs promotions outfits shows and the list goes on not to mention
— kdynsy (@kdynsy) August 23, 2022
I'm a fan of both to1 and kep1er and seeing what's happening because of wakeone one unfair treatment makes me sad and disappointed. Please hate the company all you what but don't speak harsh words towards the other group.
— haleigh (@bahiyyiheels) August 23, 2022
In light of it all, this isn’t the first time that the company has come under fire. Before being named WAKEONE, the company was called MMO Entertainment and was involved in a dispute that idol Kang Daniel had with his company, LM Entertainment.
you all know wakeone is under cjenm which owns many company in south korea. they’re rich so stop saying that to1 steals kep1er’s money. yall know that wakeone is the former MMO ent which is behind kang daniel’s mistreatment right? 💀 blame wakeone instead.
— 쭈아🐰💭 (@jyouace) August 23, 2022
When K-Pop companies come under fire for the mistreatment of idols, it is common for netizens to find an idol group to blame. In this case, Kep1er fans want to emphasize that the blame isn’t on TO1 but WAKEONE, who need to be held accountable for their treatment of the girl group.
