Criticism was particularly strong toward aespa, a globally renowned group with massive popularity and consistent financial success.
However, not everyone was critical.
Some defended the idols, saying,“When did reverse gifting ever become a competition?
“and reminding fans not to attend events expecting gifts as the primary incentive.
Despite the criticism, some fans noted that they would continue to support their idols regardless.
Commentsinclude:
“NCT 127 members seem generous and warm-hearted.
“SM seems to leave it up to the artists.
It looks like 127 goes above and beyond.”
“Honestly, cant they just tell the manager, ‘Well do this for fan gifts’?
Then the staff would handle it.
They just need to pay for it.
Considering their earnings, how much could it possibly cost?”
“Now they’re even making lists for things like this… oh my.”
“Considering the money they make, it costs so little.
They should at least give somethingit must feel disappointing.”
“But aren’t fans attending because they love it?
From the fans' perspective, just watching the idol’s performance should feel worth it.
They aren’t expecting anything, so why feel upset when nothing’s given?”
“Do you seriously want to make a list and start ranking things in a situation like this?”
“It’s bizarre, but it would feel disheartening when comparisons are made.”
“Hand warmers aren’t that expensive.
If people are waiting for hours, it would feel upsetting if even that isn’t provided.”
“It’s always good to treat fans well.”
“They make money off fans, so at least show some effort… “This year-end pre-recording even accepted up to 700 fans.
The idols who give even small fan gifts have such a good heart.”
“They just throw around ‘Hybe-this, Hybe-that’ everywhere.
That shows no consideration for their fans.”
“What’s with the defense, lol?
Fans aren’t being dramatic; it’s about showing effort.
How does eating food and leaving the fandom even come into this?
It must have been bad for this to even be a topic.”
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“This is about effort, lol.
People wait for hours in the freezing cold just to see a 10-minute performance.”
“Plave really packed a lot of gifts, lol.
Fans must have left carrying an armful of stuff.”
“Even if they attended because they wanted to, isn’t it understandable to feel disappointed?
It’s not like you’re seeing them for free.
Making a list might be weird, but it’s understandable that fans feel upset.
It’s about showing effort, from both the agency and the artist.”
It’s funny to see people act surprised that lists like this are being made.”
“The idols who give back to their fans are thoughtful and seem great.
When else would they have a chance to show this kind of care?”
Its not about moneyits about effort.
Seeing none, you feel let down.”
“These are top-tier artists… even rookies are doing it.”
“DAY6 isn’t a group that has never given back to fans.
They’ve done it several times before.
“Couldn’t they at least serve a warm cup of coffee?”
“No ones asking them to handcraft and wrap everything themselves.
They could just place an order with a company.
All idols should do this…
Even fans who say they dont need gifts would be happy to receive them.”
“Plave is incredible.”
“NewJeans Plave gift set was amazing.
And that balaclava was adorable, lol.
Seriously, its important to stay warm in this weather.”
“Even with Louis Vuitton and all those ad revenues, they couldnt even provide snacks…
It seems like the members just dont think about how tough the fans have it while waiting.
If they cared a little, theyd know.”
“In other companies, the agency arranges fan gifts, but SM never does.
Thats why the idols have to prepare them themselves.
NCT 127 always made the effort to give back.”
Isnt that the natural thing to do?”
“Even so, fans will keep spending.
Celebrities are the new aristocrats these days.
They earn unimaginable amounts and only want to be adored.
This happened because fans threw money at them and acted like pushovers.
Well, whose fault is it?
Even if theyre treated poorly, these fans will keep attending fan signings, pre-recordings, and buying goods.
“Whats your take on this debate?
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