ILLIT‘s recent appearance on JTBC’s “Knowing Bros” sparked controversy after the group was perceived as “playing the victim” regarding hate comments about their skills.
On May 25, Yunah, Moka, Minju, Wonhee, and Iroha appeared as special guests on the entertainment program, enjoying a spring picnic with the MCs at Jeongok Port and Jebudo. During the outing, they discussed various topics, including their casting stories and experiences on the survival show “R U Next?”, which formed ILLIT.
Reflecting on their journey, the members shared the challenges they faced, with Wonhee admitting, “I feel like I’m trying to walk on eggshells a lot. My trainee period was short (so) I made a lot of mistakes.” Minju added, “I am mentally weak. When I read the comments, I feel like I am falling deeply into it.”
Moka agreed, saying, “I’m similar to Minju. I tend to read comments a lot. I’m not hurt by them per se, but there are times when I think of the comments when I’m on stage. I get scared.” Super Junior Heechul offered comfort to his juniors, “I hope you put more meaning into the compliments and supportive comments you are getting. If you lose there, you lose.”
Shindong also advised, “What you can do now is take revenge with your skills. All you have to do is practice hard and show that you are good at it. So that they can’t criticize you.”
When this segment circulated online, K-pop fans criticized ILLIT for their perceived victim mentality. Netizens mocked the group for their “poor idol skills,” suggesting they take Shindong’s advice to “practice hard” as constructive feedback rather than an insult.
