Dayoung Criticize of Starship Entertainment

Hey, K-pop fans! If you’ve been following the latest buzz in the industry, you might have caught wind of the recent controversy surrounding Dayoung, a member of WJSN (Cosmic Girls). Her candid social media posts have sparked intense discussions among fans about favoritism and the treatment of artists at Starship Entertainment. Let’s break down what happened and why it’s such a hot topic right now!

What Happened?

The Instagram Posts That Started It All

On May 25, 2025, Dayoung took to her Instagram Story to express her frustration with Starship Entertainment. She posted a screenshot of the agency’s official Instagram feed, highlighting a birthday post for Jiwoo, a member of the newly debuted girl group KiiiKiii. But here’s the catch: this birthday post was made on May 14, the same day as Dayoung’s own birthday!

To make matters worse, there was no birthday post for Dayoung herself, despite her being a senior artist with WJSN. Accompanying the screenshot, she simply wrote “ㅎ,” a Korean character often used to convey dry laughter or sarcasm. This subtle hint of discontent struck a chord with fans, signaling her disapproval of the situation.

But Dayoung didn’t stop there. She followed up with another Instagram Story featuring a hamster in a green tracksuit (a nod to Squid Game) alongside the Chinese idiom “兔死狗烹” (“Once the rabbit is dead, the dog is boiled”). This phrase is a sharp metaphor for feeling discarded after one’s usefulness has expired, hinting at feelings of betrayal or abandonment by her agency.

Both posts were deleted shortly after, but not before fans captured and shared them widely, igniting speculation about favoritism and neglect within Starship Entertainment.

Fan and Public Reaction

Accusations of Favoritism

Fans quickly jumped on the situation, pointing out the apparent double standard. Jiwoo received a birthday post on the main account, while Dayoung did not, even though they share the same birthday. This led to widespread accusations that Starship favors its newer groups over established ones like WJSN.

The outrage was palpable, with fans expressing frustration over what they viewed as a clear bias. Many felt that, after all the hard work and dedication Dayoung and her group have shown, they deserved better recognition.

Pattern of Neglect

This incident wasn’t an isolated one. Fans recalled that Yeoreum, another member of WJSN, also didn’t receive a birthday post from the company back in January. To make matters worse, it has been over 1,000 days since WJSN’s last group comeback, deepening concerns that the group is being sidelined in favor of newer acts.

Social Media Backlash

Comments flooded social media, with many fans criticizing Starship’s management. They expressed their disappointment over what they see as disrespect and lack of support for WJSN, especially following recent contract renewals. The conversation grew, highlighting a larger issue of how K-pop agencies prioritize their artists.

Starship’s Response and Context

Starship did send out a birthday message for Dayoung on their official Twitter account before posting about Jiwoo, but the absence of an Instagram post—where most fan interactions happen—was seen as a significant oversight. The Instagram platform is crucial for idol-fan communication, and fans felt the lack of acknowledgment there was a major slight.

As of now, Starship has not issued a formal public statement addressing Dayoung’s posts or the accusations of favoritism. This silence only adds fuel to the fire, leaving fans in a state of frustration and confusion.

Dayoung’s Current Activities

Despite the controversy, Dayoung continues to shine in her career. She’s currently appearing on KBS 1TV’s variety program ‘Scout 6: Early Adapter,’ where she’s receiving praise for her warmth and curiosity. In a recent press conference, she spoke positively about her experiences on the show and her admiration for the children she meets, showcasing her professionalism and resilience amid the agency drama.

Fans are proud of Dayoung for maintaining her positive attitude and continuing to work hard, even in the face of challenges with her company.

Industry Context: Favoritism in K-pop Agencies

Favoritism within K-pop agencies is not a new topic. Many fans have seen how companies often prioritize promoting newer or more commercially successful groups, which can lead to feelings of neglect among veteran artists. This pattern can create a rift between fans and agencies, especially when beloved groups feel overlooked.

Dayoung’s social media activity has reignited discussions about how K-pop agencies manage their artists, underlining the importance of fair recognition for all talent under a label. Incidents like these can damage an agency’s reputation and erode fan trust, particularly when it seems like long-standing artists are being sidelined.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dayoung’s recent social media posts have sparked a significant conversation about favoritism and artist management at Starship Entertainment. Her subtle yet pointed criticism reflects not just her personal frustration but also the broader concerns of WJSN’s fanbase, who feel the group is being overshadowed by newer acts.

As fans rally around Dayoung and WJSN, this situation serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges K-pop artists face regarding agency priorities and treatment. Let’s hope for a positive outcome that brings recognition and support to all artists, regardless of their tenure. Keep your eyes peeled for updates, and let’s continue to support Dayoung and WJSN! 🌟💖

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