Top Survival Show Trainees Seemingly Tell Fans To Stop Voting For Them, Sparking Concerns
Starlight Boys, an ongoing South Korean and Chinese boy group survival show, recently premiered via iQIYI and SBS on October 26, 2024. Sixty-nine male contestants worldwide are curently competing for a spot in the final top 9.
While Lee Sung Kyoung is the MC, Lee Seung Gi, BIGBANG’s Daesung, Choi Youngjoon, Hanhae, Kwon Eun Bi, Pentagon’s Hui, THE BOYZ’s Eric, and STAYC’s Yoon are judges (known as “Guiders”).
The show has already sparked concerns for several reasons, including some of the judges’ treatment of trainees, as well as accusations of racism and xenophobia.
New Survival Show “Starlight Boys” Under Fire For Alleged Racism And Xenophobia
Starlight Boys will air its final episode on December 28 and has already eliminated around half of the contestants. The top nine currently include several fan favorites, including BAE173‘s Lee Hangyul and other standout trainees.
However, it seems that not all top trainees want to continue with the show and possibly debut.
Recently, several trainees shared posts on their social media accounts with content that some fans believe is related to the survival show. Sun Yinghao, who spoke up during the show’s first “brutal challenge,” shared a letter that hinted at discontent with how the show is progressing.
“Some words written early in the morning on December 8Since I have a strong desire to perform on stage, I decided to take on the challenge once again without regard of what happened in the past. My original aspiration to perform on stage never changed and never will change.The anticipation and greed that I wasn’t afraid of showing at the beginning were all sincere. I believed that as long as you’re willing to walk forward, you’d be able to overcome any difficulties and find the right path.However, as I’ve been continuously impacted by what’s happening now and the uncertainty of the future, I started hesitating and struggling during this time. Finally, everything became clear today.I think one thing I’m certain of right now is that I can’t go back to that difficult period I had in the past, when I couldn’t get feedback and acceptance.Perhaps I’m unable to satisfy a lot of people at this moment – and even I’m not satisfied myself. Many people who supported me sincerely might be puzzled by this decision. However, please believe that I no longer want to anticipate that distant and uncertain opportunity and stage, which I have no control over.I want to achieve success with the real and original me. I ask those who are willing to believe me to believe that I’ll create my own opportunities and stage.The snow in this winter has already melted. The sky isn’t clear yet, but the sky will turn clear eventually.If you’re not being respected by others, then do better to make more people sincerely respect you. If you’re not being understood by others, then focus on yourself and let the results speak for themselves. I’ve got nothing but stubbornness. “
— Sun Ying Hao
Another contest, Zhang Jijun, shared a message that some have taken as him hinting to fans to stop voting for him.
Thank you! We’ve achieved a lot already, we don’t need to prove it anymore. Please stop doing things for me from now on. It goes without saying that our love and support for each other are mutual. I don’t want to not be able to keep going – please support me. We’ll meet at home. I can’t wait.
— Zhang Ji Jun
Other contestants have also allegedly shared their discontent with the show, resulting in their voting unions and fanpages ceasing voting activities. These actions have been linked to the ongoing issues and rumors about the trainees’ treatment on the show.
Sun Yinghao's HYH/FC decided to stop voting after Sun Yinghao's letter was posted by his studio this morning.
That means they give up on debuting in Starlight Boys and even the chance to participate in the final 🥺 pic.twitter.com/o9CAtqrvTo
— STARLIGHT BOYS NEWS ✨ (@starlightboys__) December 8, 2024
the misstrreat in this show is really extreme, i can't explain it, since the boys speak up about this, I'll be supporting them as well
"Sometimes, it’s not just perseverance that takes courage". Hope you guys understand. https://t.co/GVIe4bXRfe
— Juju | rest (@gyuiyuan) December 10, 2024
https://t.co/Zwmsq4PsZ9 pic.twitter.com/xsUrraRl7v
— Diaa (@dia_onrough) December 10, 2024
While it is not entirely clear if these trainees are asking for fans to no longer vote for them, it would not be the first time something like this has occurred on a survival show.
