A simple Instagram like has sparked a major controversy in the K-pop world. Sophia Laforteza, a member of the new girl group KATSEYE, is facing heavy criticism from BLACKPINK fans after liking a video containing what some consider a “shady” comment about the famous K-pop group. The situation began when American actress Sofia Wylie made a joking remark about BLACKPINK during an MTV interview.
What Sofia Wylie Said About BLACKPINK and KATSEYE
During an MTV red carpet event for The Map That Leads to You premiere on August 12, Sofia Wylie expressed her excitement about KATSEYE while also mentioning BLACKPINK. The actress, known for High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, said:
“KATSEYE is my bae. I love KATSEYE. I watch every single one of their videos. They just performed at Lollapalooza, my girls are going crazy. And BLACKPINK, I love you. Even though you’re giving us nothing right now, I love you still. Always.”
The phrase “giving us nothing” immediately caught attention. While Wylie seemed to be joking, many BLACKPINK fans (called BLINKs) took it as disrespectful. Some interpreted it as criticism of BLACKPINK’s recent activity, while others saw it as unnecessary comparison between the two groups.
KATSEYE’s Sophia Likes the Controversial Video
The situation escalated when fans noticed that Sophia Laforteza, a member of KATSEYE, had liked the Instagram post containing Wylie’s interview. This small action led to massive backlash, with many BLINKs accusing Sophia of supporting negative comments about BLACKPINK.
Fans quickly expressed their anger on social media platforms like Twitter (now X). One user wrote:
“Sophia from KATSEYE liked this post about this woman being shady af towards BLACKPINK. What the hell?”
Another added:
“A KATSEYE member just liked that Instagram post you’ve literally got to be kidding me right now.”
Defenders Say Sophia Is a BLINK Herself
Amid the criticism, many fans came to Sophia’s defense. They pointed out that she has publicly identified as a BLINK (BLACKPINK fan) multiple times before. Supporters argued that she likely liked the post because it praised her own group, KATSEYE, not because of the BLACKPINK comment.
One fan tweeted:
“Sophia likes everything about KATSEYE and she is a blink herself.”
Others noted that KATSEYE members have shown love for BLACKPINK in the past. Some reactions included:
“Y’all so jobless Sophia likes any post that mentions KATSEYE”
“She’s literally friends with her and also she’s literally praising KATSEYE in the clip so why wouldn’t she like it?”
The Growing Tension Between Fanbases
This incident highlights how sensitive K-pop fandoms can be about perceived disrespect towards their favorite artists. BLACKPINK, being one of the most successful K-pop groups globally, has a massive and protective fanbase. The group is currently on their DEADLINE World Tour and preparing new music, making Wylie’s “giving us nothing” comment particularly controversial.
Meanwhile, KATSEYE is a rising global girl group formed through HYBE’s Dream Academy reality show. The six-member group debuted in June 2024 and has been gaining attention with hits like Debut and Touch. Their fans, called Eyekons, have been actively defending Sophia against the backlash.
No Official Statements Yet
As of August 14, neither Sophia Laforteza nor KATSEYE’s management has commented on the situation. Sofia Wylie also hasn’t addressed the controversy surrounding her remarks. The online discussion continues, with some BLINKs calling for an apology while others argue the reaction is overblown.
This situation shows how quickly social media interactions can escalate into major controversies in the K-pop world. Even a simple “like” can lead to intense debates when it involves popular artists and their dedicated fanbases.
Credits: Hauterrfly
