STAYC’s Yoon recently discussed the group’s challenges with their recent comebacks, sparking a wave of reactions from Korean netizens. During an appearance on the YouTube show ‘Introduction to Physiognomy,’ Yoon openly shared her concerns about the group’s performance and hopes for their upcoming album.
Yoon’s Candid Confession
On the January 9 episode of ‘Introduction to Physiognomy,’ Yoon, along with (G)I-DLE’s Yuqi, consulted a physiognomist about their future. During the conversation, Yoon spoke frankly about STAYC’s career trajectory. She described the group’s journey as a series of ups and downs, stating, “Since debuting, it’s always been like this (up and down), you know. We do well, and then we fall. It’s always been like that.” She then made a candid admission, saying, “But now, we’ve fallen two times in a row,” before asking about the prospects of their February album release. This honest assessment of STAYC’s recent performance surprised many viewers and fans.
Netizen Reactions
Yoon’s comments triggered a variety of responses from Korean netizens. Some expressed sympathy and concern for the group, while others offered constructive criticism and advice.
Some netizens expressed concern about the pressure faced by girl groups in the industry:
Girl groups have such a short lifespan… Still, hearing an idol say that directly must be tough for the fans.
Others felt that Yoon’s directness might be discouraging for fans:
If my idol said something like that directly, I think I’d feel really discouraged as a fan… Maybe things are just different now.
Several netizens pointed to potential missteps in STAYC’s strategy:
They shouldn’t have released ‘Poppy’ in Japan first; they should have just made their initial comeback in Korea. Also, please, let’s get rid of the existing producers and completely revamp everything. The song quality, lyrics, and direction have always been disappointing.
The hiatus felt really long… What were they doing during that time? Did they go on tour?
Some fans defended the group’s music:
I love ‘GPT’ so much; I listen to it all the time.
I love ‘RUN2U,’ ‘Poppy,’ and ‘Teddy Bear.’
But ‘GPT’ is completely easy listening and really good…?
I kept up with them until ‘Bubble,’ but the hiatus was way too long. ‘Cheeky Icy Thang’ and ‘GPT’ weren’t bad, but I wouldn’t say they were good enough to keep me coming back to listen.
Others suggested that STAYC might not be experiencing a complete “flop” but rather falling short of expectations:
I don’t think STAYC is completely flopping…? Maybe they’re just not meeting expectations? Their songs still seem consistently decent.
You can’t just measure success solely based on public interest and aim only for viral hits. I say this because I’ve genuinely liked their music. I think they’re just trying out different things, rather than ‘flopping.’
Some netizens commented on Yoon’s choice of words:
Did the members themselves actually say they were ‘flopping’? Wow… No senior artists, even those who didn’t win first place or who actually declined in popularity, ever outright say ‘We’re failing.’ They always just say they’ll work harder. Even legendary artists who don’t chart anymore don’t say things like that.
Others speculated about the influence of those around her:
I doubt Yoon said that purely on her own. Someone around her, maybe even the company staff, must’ve been saying it too… But for them to succeed, the company really has to step up. A single member’s efforts won’t be enough—it’s about the songs, choreography, MV quality, comeback timing, and everything else.
Several netizens offered advice for STAYC’s future:
STAYC and NMIXX members have great individual talent, but their songs… They aren’t easy listening. The vocals are sharp, high-pitched, and loud, but that’s not the trend these days. They should study the music styles of the top-performing girl groups right now… It’s just not comfortable to listen to. If they want mass appeal, they need easy-listening songs.
Looking at other successful groups, easy listening alone isn’t enough. Good planning and securing great songs are huge factors. The company’s effort is what really matters.
Also Read: Fans Upset: Was T.O.P Left Out of Squid Game 2 Promotion Talks? Here’s What We’ve Learned
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