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Enhypen fans educate Jake on fat-shaming, Engenes hope Sunoo is OK after he misses fansign

K-pop group Enhypen is often under fire for allegedly making fat-shaming jokes about member Sunoo

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA: With the K-pop industry being rigid about body sizes and training idols at a young age to fit their unrealistic skinny standards, it seems that there are some who have internalised it. While fans are used to antis and trolls, it is more serious for Enhypen fans. Engenes (Enhypen’s fandom) are often divided as we constantly have Enhypen making jokes about their own member, Sunoo’s appearance. While some think that it is all in good fun since Sunoo doesn’t seem to stop them, others feel that the group is fat-shaming the idol.

Well, one fan decided to take matters into their own hands when they won a fansign call with Enhypen’s Jake on August 14. An Engene from the Philippines decided to tell the K-pop idol about how some fans were uncomfortable with fat-shaming jokes. While the fan did not mention Sunoo explicitly or bring up any incidents, they hoped that Jake could pass on the message to the rest of the group so that they would get the hint and not fat-shame Sunoo. But this has again led to a division in the fandom since they feel it was inappropriate to educate Jake in this way.  

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A fan tells Enhypen’s Jake about the fat-shaming row

The Enhypen fan told Jake, “I just want you to note of an ongoing concern among international fans. Teasing about each other’s weight has been a concern for us, as it makes us uncomfortable.” It seems that Jake did not hear and asked the fan to repeat after which he commented, “Oh, yeah yeah,” while nodding. The fan continued, “So, we want you guys to understand that these comments may be offensive for others, and we want to help you grow. So, if you want to know about, we made a hashtag in Twitter. Please remember that I will always be rooting for your happiness and I hope you’re always happy. I love you Jake!!” The call ended before Jake had a chance to respond but fans feel that it was enough that they could reach him as he had been listening to the fan intently.

Fans commended the Engene for speaking up and left tweets like, “Mad props to the fan for saying speaking up and telling him to his face. Hope some things change from now on in their group cause he ain't innocent.” Another wondered why some fans were not happy with the call, “I thought antis wanted this issue to be addressed? now that it’s addressed you’re still finding a way to hate on them 😭 jk’s obviously trying to listen carefully to fully understand the concerns and the fact that he knows BETTER than anyone else how shitty the staffs can be.” One fan hoped, “I hope they'll stop teasing My Sunoo now that finally someone addressed the issue directly to them.”

'It's getting worst'

But some fans think that this did more harm than good especially since Sunoo was missing from the latest fansign on August 15 since he was unwell. They hope that he wasn’t absent because he felt guilty of his fans bringing up the issue to Jake. One fan commented, “I feel sad for sunoo, but i have this feeling too that what if he's not really sick and that belift made ds announcement bcs he want him to not attend the fansign bcs of the issue yesterday involving engenes, jake and him. The announcement is too sudden.” Similarly, one wondered, “This makes me so anxious. I wish it’s not anything serious or related to yesterday’s events. I just wish sunoo is happy and healthy. And I hope today’s fansign goes well.” 

Another Engene wrote, “OMG hey engenes sunoo is a ripe man.If he feels uncomfortable to the fat shaming,he will stop it.Don't educate enhypen,especially don't educate someone didn't shame sunoo.ok?” One felt it wasn’t their place, “GUYS SUNOO IS A GROWN A$$ MAN. IF HE DOESNT WANT THE ENHYPEN MEMBERS TO FAT SHAME HIM HE WILL TELL THEM. WHY ARE U ACTING AS IF HE IS A CHILD WHO CANT SPEAK FOR HIS OWN.”

Another Engene added, “There are better ways of doing things bro like that has so be so uncomfortable for Jake.” One was worried, “I appreciate the efforts of those behind the fc event and I know the intention was good. I was also happy that it was finally addressed but idk if it's even worth it because both Sunoo and Jake are receiving a lot of hates after that fancall and it's getting worst and worst.”

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