ALLLDAY’s Male Idol Sparks Misogyny Debate as Female Idols Face Harsher Backlash; See Reactions

ALLLDAY’s Male Idol Sparks Misogyny Debate as Female Idols Face Harsher Backlash; See Reactions

Written by

Saikat Nandy

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A heated debate about misogyny in K-pop has erupted after fans compared how male and female idols are treated differently in scandals. The co-ed group ALLLDAY is under fire for their choreography, while their male member Tarzzan faces criticism for receiving lighter backlash than female idols like KISS OF LIFE, who faced severe hate despite multiple apologies.

The controversy started when netizens noticed how KISS OF LIFE received death threats and public shaming for past mistakes, while male idols like Tarzzan continue to gain support. Fans pointed out the double standards, with one tweet going viral:

“KIOF got death threats and apologized 4 times while this dude has people licking his toes. Goes to show what a disadvantage being a woman is in society.”

Another netizen added:

“Y’all were on Haneul’s ass too for them braids, but when it’s a guy, it’s ‘culture appreciation’?? When I say K-pop fans are performative hypocrites and give free passes to their oppas, they find attractive.”

ALLLDAY’s Choreography Accused of Sexism

The group’s new song “FAMOUS” also stirred controversy for its choreography. In the chorus, the three female members (AnnieMoon, Youngseo, Bailey) crouch low while the two male members (Woochan, Tarzzan) stand tall, only moving their shoulders. Fans called this move degrading, arguing it reinforces gender stereotypes.

One Korean netizen tweeted:

“The guys stand tall with wide shoulders from a low angle, as if they’re looking down. But the girls crouch down low and stick out their butts. Just imagine if the guys were made to dance like the girls—the answer’s obvious, right?”

Another fan criticized the industry’s pattern:

“Even in co-ed groups, it’s always the girls who get stuck with the girly choreography. That alone is the full vibe… such BS. You could already tell what Teddy was on when he made songs like MEOVV’s ‘Hands Up.’ If the guys did the girly choreo too, would anyone complain?”

KISS OF LIFE’s Ongoing Struggles Compared to Male Idols

The debate grew as fans compared KISS OF LIFE’s harsh treatment to male idols who avoid similar consequences. Earlier this year, the group faced backlash for cultural appropriation in a live broadcast. Despite multiple apologies, they reportedly withdrew from KCON due to ongoing hate, including death threats.

Meanwhile, male idols like The Boyz’s Sunwoo faced criticism for past misogynistic comments but still maintained fan support. Old AskFM posts resurfaced where he made disturbing remarks, including calling women “pets” and saying his ideal type is a woman with “no future.”

Netizens reacted strongly:

“He said women are pets…? Seriously?”

“A woman with no future is such an extreme line. You don’t say stuff like that if you see women as human.”

“Even if a female celebrity had a wild past, would she be worse than this ‘garden man’?”

Broader Pattern of Misogyny in K-pop

This isn’t the first time female idols have faced disproportionate backlash. The late Sulli and Goo Hara were cyberbullied for years before their tragic deaths. Sulli, who openly supported feminism, was harassed for not wearing a bra and dating an older man. Goo Hara faced revenge p*rn threats from an ex-boyfriend.

A K-pop columnist explained:

“A lot of Korean women can relate to the issues female celebrities deal with. They have experienced it themselves. Many feel unsafe due to molka (spycam crimes), gender-based violence, and victim-shaming.”

Male idols, however, often avoid long-term consequences. Seungri of BIGBANG was jailed for his role in a s*xual abuse scandal but still has supporters. Meanwhile, female idols like Nana are attacked for calling out misogyny.

Fan Reactions and Calls for Change

Many fans demand fairness in how scandals are handled. Some argue that male idols benefit from “pretty privilege,” while female idols are held to impossible standards.

“Did fans really go and curse at Nana to defend this guy?”

“I’d rather deal with people mocking ‘my AirPods’ than see this kind of filth.”

“Being a nobody was his best defense. How does someone like this become an idol in Korea?”

ALSO READ: ALLDAY PROJECT Debuts with Futuristic Hip-Hop Single “FAMOUS”; Watch The Music Video Now

The debate highlights ongoing sexism in K-pop, where female idols face harsher punishments for similar—or lesser—mistakes. As discussions grow, fans hope the industry will address these double standards.

Credits: Sources include Koreaboo and fan reactions from X (formerly Twitter).

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