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Jeongyeon removed from TWICE's season greetings, fans chant 'OT9 or nothing'

Jeongyeon went on a hiatus after filming for TWICE's first English single 'The Feels'

K-pop idol Jeongyeon is part of the leading third-gen girl group TWICE. Managed under JYP Entertainment, TWICE debuted in 2015 with nine members. Unfortunately, for the past few months, the vocalist has been facing some serious mental health issues. She had previously been resting before the group’s Japanese release and so fans were happy that she was able to participate in TWICE’s first English single ‘The Feels’. But she will not be participating in the season’s greetings merch.

Before the release of ‘The Feels’, JYPE announced in August that Jeongyeon was suffering from panic and psychological anxiety disorders. After professional advice, she had discussed with her members and the label and decided to go on a hiatus for an undecided amount of time. TWICE had assured ONCEs (fandom) that since ‘The Feels’ was recorded in advance, Jeongyeon had been able to participate before taking leave. And worried fans had sent the idol supportive messages as they promised to wait for her.

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Jeongyeon excluded from TWICE's season's greetings

With mental health not being considered taboo in the K-pop industry anymore, netizens are relieved that exhausted artists who work day night without proper rest and food are getting the care that’s required. And at first, JYPE was commended for putting their artist’s needs first. However, with their latest decision, they’re facing much backlash from fans. On October 4, the label announced TWICE’s season’s greetings 2022 merch. But Jeongyeon would not be participating in it for “various reasons.”

Fans concluded that it was because she was on hiatus. But they did not appreciate that JYPE had not waited for Jeongyeon’s return before shooting and creating merch for the season greetings. Several agencies release their artists’ season’s greetings content in November or December. On top of that, they also do their best to include those who are on a hiatus like Ateez’s Mingi who filmed the content before going on hiatus. Well, ONCEs feel that JYPE could have either postponed TWICE’s season’s greetings or foregone it all together.

'Respect Jeongyeon'

Jeongyeon has been trending as exasperated fans have been making tweets like, “I can understand if Jeongyeon was excluded from promotions/schedules due to health concerns... But releasing OT8 merch? I don't feel comfortable with it and will probably pass. It's nine or none,” “But TWICE is NINE, period,” and “Do not exclude Jeongyeon" "Respect Jeongyeon" These are all simple things that you could perform even right away On the one hand, it proves that she's properly rested. But where should I put this feeling? You must remember that there are many people who love her.”

One angry fan said, “The way they can completely wait until Jeongyeon is better to do this. The amount of stuff that came out and will be coming. Season greeting is the last time you need to worry about. Money hungry.” Another added, “We understand Jeongyeon's condition and we'll gladly wait for her return but why cant this f**kin company wait for her? do they have to release an unnecessary seasons greetings without a member and also with the 3rd full album coming just next month?! Money hungry shits.” “And no it's not like I'm asking for Jeongyeon to be in the seasons greetings cause it's not necessary and she's not completely okay, they simply could've choose not to release it this time and no one would ask for it!?!?” shared a ONCE. Another posted, "...the f**k is jype thinking?? trust me, onces can live without a seasons greeting for a year. OT9 OR NOTHING."