Getting criticized for being unique is so not 2026.
51 minutes ago
In an industry driven by trends, are K-Pop fans ready to fully embrace something different? A newly debuted girl group under JYP Entertainment‘s subsidiary, INNIT Entertainment, started gaining attention online, but not entirely for the right reasons. However, fans are now stepping in to defend the rising act amid growing criticism.
dodree | @dodree_innit/Instagram
The group in question, dodree, is a two-member unit consisting of Na Yeong Joo and Lee Song Hyun. Debuting in January 2026 after appearing on the KBS audition show THE DDANDDARA, the duo quickly stood out for their unconventional concept and sound. Unlike typical K-Pop girl groups, dodree leans heavily into a fusion style that blends modern pop with traditional Korean musical elements—a direction that has drawn both praise and confusion from listeners.
Recently, a post on the Korean online community theqoo began circulating, highlighting criticism directed at the group. Some netizens questioned their concept, visuals, and overall positioning within the current K-Pop landscape, with skepticism amplified by their association with J. Y. Park, who is known to be experimental.
However, the backlash quickly sparked an equally strong wave of support.
| theqoo
- I like it. Starting with attempts like this, more people will get into traditional Korean music.
- Back on K-Pop Star, Park Jin Young eliminated Lee Hye Eun [for a similar sound/concept], but I guess times have changed him? This kind of attempt is nice.
- Oh, I watched it all the way through. It’s good. I’ll support them—I hope they do well.
- Honestly, traditional Korean music itself is so good.
- I was hooked on this song when it first came out. It was so unique I couldn’t stop listening to it. LOL. The song is good!
- The concept is good, but the song feels a bit old-fashioned… honestly, with that concept, they should’ve gone in the opposite musical direction…
- Right, if you keep trying things, you might hit big with something new.
- It’s better than forcing generic English lyrics and calling it K-Pop.
- Why are people hating on this?
- The song is good, but I wish they didn’t awkwardly throw in a few English lines. Let’s go 100% Korean lyrics.
- I like that JYP is always trying different things within K-Pop.
- The song is really good, and it feels very Korean. I like it. As expected from a big company.
- I thought it was good when I saw it on a music show! Hope they keep trying new things.
Fans and casual listeners alike pushed back against the criticism, arguing that dodree’s uniqueness is precisely what sets them apart in an industry often criticized for being formulaic. Many praised the duo’s strong vocal ability and mature tone, noting that their music offers a refreshing departure from mainstream trends.
Online discussions also pointed out that the group’s concept—rooted in traditional Korean sounds—is a deliberate artistic choice rather than a flaw. Supporters emphasized that such experimentation should be encouraged, especially from a major label known for shaping K-Pop’s global direction.
As conversations continue, one thing is clear: While dodree may not fit the typical mold, they’ve already managed to spark discussion and build a growing base of supporters willing to defend their place in K-Pop.