SEVENTEEN members Mingyu and S.Coups have come under heavy criticism after it was announced they would appear on Choiza ROAD, a YouTube variety show hosted by rapper Choiza from Dynamic Duo. What was expected to be a lighthearted promotional event has instead stirred controversy due to Choiza’s past, particularly his connection with the late singer and actress Sulli.
Sulli’s tragic passing has once again come into focus amid a fresh scandal involving actors Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron. Both Sulli and Kim Sae Ron were reportedly entangled in troubling allegations about exploitation and grooming within the entertainment industry, sparking renewed discussions about the challenges and dangers faced by young celebrities.
Choiza dated Sulli from 2013 to 2017, a relationship frequently covered by the media. There has been debate over when their relationship actually began, with some claiming they knew each other since Sulli was 15, while others say the romance started after she turned 19, the legal age of consent.
Choiza faced earlier criticism for the suggestive lyrics of the song Eat Do It Sleep from Dynamic Duo’s 2015 album Grand Carnival. Although the lyrics were never officially linked to Sulli, many fans believed they reflected disrespect towards her, especially during a time when she endured harsh public scrutiny. Additionally, accusations of emotional abuse during their relationship have continued to haunt Choiza.
The decision to feature SEVENTEEN on Choiza’s show has reopened wounds among fans, who question the appropriateness of having idols associated with a figure still tied to unresolved controversies. This backlash has intensified amid the Kim Soo Hyun–Kim Sae Ron scandal, which has made the public more aware and sensitive to issues surrounding celebrity accountability.
Fans of SEVENTEEN, known as Carats, have been vocal about their disappointment, urging PLEDIS Entertainment to reconsider the collaboration. Despite SEVENTEEN’s recent successful comeback with their album HAPPY BURSTDAY and the song Thunder, many believe this appearance overshadows their achievements and feels insensitive to ongoing issues.
Carats have taken to social media to demand a boycott of the episode and have expressed concern over the message it sends when idols collaborate with figures implicated in harm towards women. They emphasize that as influential public figures, idols should be mindful of their associations and the impact on their fans, especially young audiences.
While Choiza and his group Dynamic Duo remain respected veterans in the Korean music scene, fans insist that entertainment companies must exercise greater care and cultural sensitivity when organizing public events. The controversy highlights the ongoing need for awareness around the darker sides of the entertainment industry and the importance of protecting artists and fans alike.