Popular Girl Group Star Caught Trash-Talking Her Members On Leaked Private Account

A shocking scandal has erupted in the Japanese idol industry and it’s quickly gaining traction with Korean netizens.

Kitagawa Rio, a current member of the long-running “nation’s girl group” Morning Musume, has come under fire after her alleged private account was leaked. The account reportedly contained harsh remarks about her fellow group members, along with secretly taken photos and behind-the-scenes complaints.

According to screenshots circulating online, the account featured several posts criticizing other members’ outfits, behavior, and even work ethic.

This is something that always happens in Morning Musume, someone wears a cute dress but then ruins it with these tacky socks. I seriously don’t get what kind of sense of style leads to that. Just wear plain white socks and you’re halfway there.

— Kitagawa Rio

During the Buzz Rhythm (music show) shoot, I called Ikuta out for being rude when I said good morning. Even the host, Bakary-san, heard it and was like, ‘That’s too much,’ so I thought maybe she’d change after that. But she was even worse today. If I say ‘good morning’, then just accept it. Disgusting. Are you the emperor? So incompetent anyway.

— Kitagawa Rio

She’s 26, but she still sits on planes and the bullet train barefoot with her knees up.

— Kitagawa Rio

Can Ikuta quit already?

— Kitagawa Rio

Makino getting on the train with twin tails was scary. Is she trying to be Xiaoxiao or something?

— Kitagawa Rio

[Censored] isn’t even done yet, and I have to wake up in 5 and a half hours. This is seriously killing me. It’s always ‘Homamei, Homamei’ (nickname for a duo pairing of two fellow members), then just the two of you go do it already.

— Kitagawa Rio

A senior member was 100% gossiping about me behind my back. If you’re gonna do it, at least wait until I’m not around, you old lady.

— Kitagawa Rio

As the controversy spreads beyond Japan, fans are calling on Morning Musume’s agency to address the issue. So far, no official statement has been released.