Seoul, South Korea – August 10, 2026 – A recent fan meeting hosted by the popular K-pop girl group ITZY has inadvertently ignited a firestorm of controversy surrounding member Shin Ryujin. The singer found herself the target of intense criticism and malicious commentary following her cover performance of "REDRED," a track originally performed by the HYBE-affiliated group CORTIS. While many fans expressed admiration for Ryujin’s rendition, a vocal segment of netizens unleashed a torrent of negativity, questioning ITZY’s perceived "relevancy" and dissecting Ryujin’s interpretation of the song. This backlash has not only divided the fandom but also brought to the forefront broader discussions about K-pop industry practices, the pressure on established groups, and the disproportionate scrutiny faced by female artists.

The Performance That Sparked Controversy

The incident unfolded during ITZY’s fifth fan meeting, aptly themed "ALL IN, MIDZY," which saw the group engage with their dedicated fanbase, MIDZY. As part of the event’s program, Ryujin took to the stage to perform a cover of "REDRED" by CORTIS, a relatively newer group under the HYBE Corporation umbrella. The performance, captured and shared online, initially garnered positive reactions from many MIDZY members who praised Ryujin’s vocal delivery and stage presence. However, this wave of appreciation was soon overshadowed by a surge of critical and often vitriolic comments from a different faction of the online K-pop community.

The Accusations: Loss of Relevancy and Artistic Interpretation Under Fire

The core of the criticism centered on the perceived implication that ITZY, a group that debuted in 2019 and has established a significant presence in the fourth generation of K-pop, would resort to covering songs by "juniors" for the sake of maintaining relevance. This narrative suggested a decline in ITZY’s own artistic output and popularity, framing the cover as a desperate attempt to stay in the spotlight.

Several social media posts amplified these sentiments. One widely circulated tweet lamented, "this is actually so sad they used be the biggest group of 4th gen now their covering their junior’s songs for relevancy." Another user expressed disappointment, stating, "it’s sad how much they’ve fallen tbh." A particularly harsh comment bluntly declared, "Itzy fell off so bad wdym you’re performing a cortis song." Beyond the broad strokes of "relevancy," some netizens also targeted Ryujin’s specific interpretation of "REDRED," with one user claiming, "Same reaction I love the song and the choreo but she just ruined the whole thing."

These accusations were particularly stinging given ITZY’s established track record and the common practice of K-pop artists covering songs from various artists, including their juniors, during fan meetings or special stages. Such performances are typically seen as a way to showcase versatility, engage with current trends, and offer fans a fresh perspective on beloved songs.

The Defense: Fan Demands, Artist Freedom, and Double Standards

In response to the wave of negativity, a significant portion of ITZY’s fanbase, MIDZY, and other supportive netizens rallied to Ryujin’s defense. They argued that the criticism was unwarranted and rooted in a misunderstanding of the context.

Supporters highlighted that Ryujin’s cover was not an arbitrary choice but a performance of a song that fans had actively requested. One fan pointed out, "covered a song fans kept asking her to do at a fanmeeting. tf are some of you complaining about? ‘gen5 song for relevance’ well, when you’re a great performer you’re gonna attract attention." This perspective emphasizes the collaborative and fan-centric nature of fan meetings, where artists often cater to audience desires.

Furthermore, many defended the act of covering itself, questioning the double standards applied to ITZY. A tweet articulated this sentiment by stating, "random idol does a cover and everyone is like oh ok good cover, but if itzy does a cover they become khia from nuguland? next time your idol does a cover what are you going to do? if you haven’t got any compliment to say to ryujin you should should just mind your own business." This highlights the perceived unfairness of ITZY and Ryujin being singled out for a practice that is commonplace within the industry.

The argument that Ryujin was covering a "favorite song" was also put forth, with one user questioning the malicious interpretations: "how are y’all twisting a girl covering her favorite song into ‘itzy fell off so much they’re using younger groups for relevancy’ this is a fanmeeting you’re supposed to cover songs you or your fans want you to do so…?" This frames the cover as a personal and enjoyable expression rather than a calculated career move.

Unintended Consequences: Backlash Against CORTIS

The controversy also extended to the original artists, CORTIS, and their affiliation with HYBE. In a bizarre turn of events, some of the criticism directed at Ryujin’s cover spilled over into negativity towards CORTIS. One tweet, while professing love for Ryujin, unfortunately stated, "I love you ryujin but promoting ai music by one of the biggest industry plant is not it :/" This comment, while not directly about CORTIS’s musicality, reflects a potential undercurrent of animosity towards HYBE-affiliated groups or artists perceived as having an "industry plant" status, a label often used to suggest unearned success. This demonstrates how controversies can have unintended ripple effects, impacting artists who were not directly involved in the initial incident.

Broader Implications: The Pressures of the K-Pop Machine

The incident involving Ryujin and the CORTIS cover is not an isolated event but rather a symptom of the intense pressures and scrutiny faced by K-pop idols, particularly those in established groups.

• The "Relevancy" Treadmill: The constant demand for new content and chart performance means that even successful groups are often perceived as needing to prove their relevance repeatedly. The idea that covering a "junior" group’s song equates to a loss of status reflects a highly competitive and often unforgiving industry landscape.
• The Scrutiny of Female Idols: Female artists in K-pop frequently face a heightened level of judgment regarding their performances, concepts, and career choices. The intensity of the backlash against Ryujin, compared to the more general acceptance of similar actions by male idols, points to a persistent gendered double standard.
• The Power of Online Discourse: Social media platforms have become both a vital tool for artist-fan interaction and a breeding ground for rapid-fire judgment and misinformation. The viral nature of tweets and the amplification of negative sentiments can quickly shape public perception, often without nuanced consideration.
• Fan Expectations vs. Artist Autonomy: While fans play a crucial role in an artist’s success, the line between supportive engagement and intrusive expectation can become blurred. The argument that Ryujin should have adhered to fan expectations for song choices, while understandable from a fan perspective, also raises questions about an artist’s freedom to express themselves and experiment.
• The HYBE Factor: The mention of HYBE and the implication of "industry plants" suggests a broader competitive dynamic within the K-pop industry. As large entertainment companies continue to expand their portfolios, the perceived influence and success of their various groups can become a point of contention and envy.

Conclusion: A Call for Nuance and Support

The controversy surrounding Ryujin’s cover performance underscores the complex and often challenging environment in which K-pop artists operate. While the internet provides a platform for immediate feedback, it also facilitates the spread of baseless criticism and negativity.

In this instance, ITZY’s Ryujin, a talented performer who was engaging with her fans in a manner typical of fan meetings, found herself unfairly targeted. The backlash against her demonstrates a need for greater understanding of K-pop industry norms, a recognition of the pressures faced by established artists, and a commitment to fostering a more supportive online environment. Instead of perpetuating harmful narratives of "falling off" or questioning artistic choices, the focus should remain on celebrating the artists’ dedication and talent, while acknowledging the collaborative spirit that defines the K-pop fan experience. The vocal defense from many MIDZY members offers a hopeful sign, emphasizing the power of a supportive fanbase to counter negativity and champion their idols.