02/03/2025
Most Loved VS Most Hated K-Pop Idols 0.2
Either adored or despised by many, these idols really get the crowds talking, no matter the reason.
Table of Contents
- IU: The Nation’s Little Sister
- HyunA: From Confidence to Controversy
- SHINee’s Jonghyun: A Lasting Legacy
- T.O.P: Returning to the Limelight
- LOONA’s Chuu: Korea’s Treasure
- IVE’s Wonyoung: A Sore Spot for Some
- BTS’s Jungkook: The “Sold Out King”
- BLACKPINK’s Jennie: The Love/Hate Dichotomy
IU: The Nation’s Little Sister
As the nation’s little sister, IU really solidified her nickname as the nation’s favorite. After she released the song “Good Day,” IU started to get recognized more and more for her angelic voice and gentle personality. She has managed to hold this title to this day, and honestly, it’s hard not to like her. Her Korean audience has stayed enraptured by her for years, as she has repeatedly proven how kind she is, and her reputation in the industry has stayed squeaky clean—something her Korean fans and netizens value a lot.
Moreover, IU manages to capture the hearts of every audience, be it children, teens, or even the elderly. One user on Reddit commented how IU exemplifies the traditional qualities Korean people like to exhibit, such as kindness, humility, friendliness, and hard work. IU’s true rags-to-riches story makes her feel even more human: she came from nothing, growing up in a rural countryside with her grandmother. Perhaps because she understands what it’s like to live in poverty, IU never hesitates to lend a helping hand whenever she can. From distributing food and snacks to protesters, to regularly donating to foundations for low-income families, single parents, and disabled children, IU is always ready to help those who need it most. Her selflessness is yet another reason why so many people adore her.
HyunA: From Confidence to Controversy
HyunA’s legacy in the K-Pop industry seemed almost untouchable, but over the past year or so, public opinion on her has completely flipped. In January of 2024, HyunA posted a picture of herself and Highlight’s former member Yong Junhyung, walking down the beach and holding hands. She included a couple emoji in the caption, prompting many netizens to piece things together. Soon, news that she was dating Junhyung spread like wildfire—and not in a good way.
Junhyung isn’t well-liked by many, considered controversial due to his involvement in the Burning Sun scandal. Because of this, people expressed deep disappointment in HyunA, who had been a huge inspiration for breaking barriers and confidently being herself. They couldn’t get over the fact that she was dating someone who admitted to watching and making crude remarks about one of the molka videos Joonyoung sent him. This video showed Joonyoung having intercourse with a woman who didn’t know she was being filmed. The fact that Junhyung never reported the video, even though he knew the woman was unaware, disturbed many people.
When HyunA asked her fans to “look at their relationship prettily,” it enraged the public to the point that large numbers of fans publicly dropped her. Her biggest fan pages shut down, and her follower count dwindled. Even worse, fans felt she disregarded the women victimized by these illegally distributed videos and essentially betrayed the memory of late Goo Hara, who once dated Junhyung and had been supportive of the scandal’s victims. Since announcing their relationship, HyunA’s career has continued to decline, and many believe there’s little she can do to salvage her once-untouchable reputation.
SHINee’s Jonghyun: A Lasting Legacy
SHINee’s Jonghyun was an angel sent from above to thousands of people, and his legacy continues to inspire many and will likely do so for years. His passing was a huge loss not only to the K-Pop industry but especially to his family, friends, and fans who still turn to him as a source of comfort. As SHINee’s main vocalist, he complimented the other members perfectly with his rich, golden voice. His love for music—singing, songwriting, and producing—is something fans deeply admire, but it’s far from the only reason they cherish him.
Jonghyun’s wisdom and advice served as hope for many, and his radio show, Blue Night, became a comforting bubble where he and fans could share worries and struggles. Many compared the show to calling an old friend late at night when sleep was elusive. Jonghyun read his listeners’ stories about heartbreak, anxiety, depression, and daily obstacles, always handling them with empathy and reminding people it’s okay to struggle. Despite his gentle personality, Jonghyun was fierce and unwavering when it came to issues he cared about, such as feminism, education, and minority rights. While some people disliked his outspokenness, he raised awareness of critical issues, paving the way for more celebrities to speak up without fear.
T.O.P: Returning to the Limelight
T.O.P.’s recent role as Thanos in the second season of Squid Game sparked mixed reactions. While some enjoyed his character and were thrilled to see him act, many in Korea’s general public aren’t so keen on his return. After all, it’s been almost seven years since T.O.P admitted to using illegal substances, but the scandal remains fresh in the minds of stricter Korean netizens. International fans are typically more forgiving of drug-related controversies, but many in South Korea haven’t moved on.
Although T.O.P spoke openly about his suicidal thoughts due to overwhelming criticism and hate, the release of Squid Game 2 reignited debate. One reporter went as far as calling him a “druggie rapper,” snidely remarking that the show needed someone experienced with substances to portray Thanos’ illegal pill scenes. In contrast, international fans and many film-based websites praised T.O.P’s eccentric, over-the-top performance. Director Hwang Dong Hyuk defended the casting, saying T.O.P was a perfect fit for the role. Despite the backlash, T.O.P still has ardent supporters who argue he’s been treated unfairly, especially when other celebrities have done worse yet faced fewer consequences.
LOONA’s Chuu: Korea’s Treasure
Much like IU, LOONA’s Chuu is often viewed as another “Korea’s treasure.” It’s hard not to adore her: her bubbly personality and infectious friendliness can light up any room. Over the years, Chuu has gone viral numerous times across social media, with netizens flooding comment sections to praise her vibrant energy. In a Weverse interview, she admitted she loves both feeling loved and giving love to others. Naturally cheerful and friendly, she’s also very mindful of how others feel.
Though Chuu is known for her sunny demeanor and rarely cries in public, she’s admitted to dealing with nerves and doubts. She said she felt “incredibly nervous” when filming the first episode of Chuu Can Do It, but the show helped her grow personally. Even her feud with BlockBerry Creative didn’t diminish people’s affection. Her warmth and positivity have remained constant, endearing her further to fans who appreciate her resilience in tough times.
IVE’s Wonyoung: A Sore Spot for Some
One of the biggest stars in the 4th generation of K-Pop, IVE’s Wonyoung is either absolutely adored or relentlessly criticized. The hate she gets often feels random or completely ridiculous. For instance, back in 2022, she went viral for eating a strawberry with two hands—something completely harmless, yet people accused her of trying too hard to be cute. The backlash was severe, with netizens mocking her for her “excessive” behavior.
Later, when IVE filmed a commercial for Papa John’s, Wonyoung again faced heat for how she held and ate pizza. Critics claimed she was overplaying her cuteness. Some even started a hate campaign. Fans suspect the real issue lies in deep-seated discomfort with feminine public figures who thrive, which might explain why Wonyoung draws so much controversy. Rumors have also cropped up about her brand sponsorship with MiuMiu, with people falsely claiming she wasn’t a legitimate ambassador. In reality, MiuMiu debunked these baseless assertions.
BTS’s Jungkook: The “Sold Out King”
There’s no denying that BTS rank among the most beloved K-Pop idols today, but Jungkook often gets singled out as the member most adored by the general public. He dominates charts of most-searched or most-liked celebrities, earning the nickname “Sold Out King.” Items he’s seen using—like the infamous Downy fabric softener—tend to sell out swiftly, reflecting his extraordinary influence.
Knowing his impact, various international vaccination campaigns even used Jungkook’s name to encourage citizens to get vaccinated against COVID-19 in 2021. Despite his fame and fortune, Jungkook remains humble. He frequently donates to charities and organizations, including Seoul National University Children’s Hospital in April 2023, where he donated nearly $900,000 to help patients from low-income families. People cite Jungkook’s kindness, work ethic, and genuine personality as reasons they admire him—qualities that make him a role model in their eyes.
BLACKPINK’s Jennie: The Love/Hate Dichotomy
Despite BLACKPINK’s massive success, Jennie endures tremendous hate that feels out of proportion to any perceived misstep. Her fame and glamour spark envy and backlash, leading some to scrutinize her every move. While some celebrities face controversy due to genuine scandals, Jennie often gets attacked over trivial matters. She’s been accused of favoritism—like supposedly receiving better outfits and more lines—though this has been debunked. The label “YG’s princess” only fueled those rumors further.
When she released “SOLO,” her first single, people complained BLACKPINK hadn’t even had a proper album yet. Others resurfaced the so-called “lazy” scandal, ignoring that she was performing with an injured ankle at the time. Netizens have weaponized these narratives, painting Jennie as spoiled and arrogant. To this day, she remains one of the most hated K-Pop idols among certain corners of the internet—even if much of the hate is baseless and overshadowed by the massive support she receives from fans worldwide.
