“This is the most rigged sh*t ever…”
Koreaboo
Just now
The final member and name reveal of the new HYBE group has sparked serious backlash and fury among netizens after the final of the survival show.
The members of the upcoming HYBE group | Weverse
The show Prelude: The Final Piece has seen Japanese contestants battle for a place in the group alongside Emily, Lexie, and Samara.
On May 12, the final took place, and it was announced that Sakura would be the final member of the group.
SAKURA has officially been announced as the final piece of the group!
Congratulations, Sakura. pic.twitter.com/37AT88SrhO
— 𝗦𝗔𝗜𝗡𝗧 𝗦𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗘 𝗕𝗔𝗦𝗘 (@SAINT_SBASE) May 12, 2026
When the results were released, netizens were furious and accused the show of being “rigged,” even more than any other HYBE show in the past. Many thought that the company was once again putting “potential” in a contestant over talent, which is something that has led to criticism in the past for HYBE groups, and that they picked someone who wasn’t talented enough or right for the group.
out of all hybe rigged survival shows, this one is the worst. like what 😭 https://t.co/NWBTVVS2c4
— nicha (@layoffthecoke) May 12, 2026
This is the most rigged shit ever seen in my life https://t.co/8rLIsYmgpc
— Rnx (@rnxhere) May 12, 2026
this company is a JOKE I’m so done pic.twitter.com/wPTA2YnFk7 https://t.co/CexKERWY0a
— sky (@THESAINTSATINE) May 12, 2026
still dont understand why hybe is so obsessed with “potential” when it constantly backfires https://t.co/TyBKGmRVag
— َ (@otahayul) May 12, 2026
WHAT THE FUCK NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO AYANA 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 I KNEW IT BUT I DIDNT WANT IT TO BE TRUE BRO UGH IM SO UPSET I CANT https://t.co/0ukZS7xy4z
— nessa ୭ (@soadoreible) May 12, 2026
Other members specifically shared how angry they were that HYBE picked Sakura, a minor who just turned 16 earlier in the year, in a group with legal adults, and many assumed a sexier concept. They particularly shared anger that Sakura was chosen over Ayana, who many had as their favorite and most expected to debut.
I Should Have Known That If It’s Up To Hybe They Will Debut A Minor, Like BICH… I Kinda Feel Bad For Prelude 😭😭😭
— ｲのズﾘの 🇯🇵 👾 (@JAPANESEBLACK) May 12, 2026
I will never understand the logic or reasoning behind putting a child with a bunch of adults to form a group like that shit is so fucking weird to me https://t.co/mXvsJP1NG4
— m ✰ (@mar3uss) May 12, 2026
hybe chose a 15years old girl to join the group and shaking ass in the stage with legal member 😭 pic.twitter.com/rRjqTyMxH8 https://t.co/bZ1VwbNVvQ
— * (@bp4youu) May 12, 2026
So HYBE really saw a talented and mature girl who was ready to be the lead vocal of this group and chose someone who’s a minor and absolutely not vocally ready because she has “potential”….
This is the biggest joke and my heart is hurting so badly for Ayana#worldscout
— annie⁹ 🏰 (@annielovehappen) May 12, 2026
The criticism continued as the name was announced and while some thought the group would promote under “Prelude,” the actual name was SAINT SATINE.
The official name of the group has been revealed:
SAINT SATINE pic.twitter.com/OHf74CW5Ha
— 𝗦𝗔𝗜𝗡𝗧 𝗦𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗘 𝗕𝗔𝗦𝗘 (@SAINT_SBASE) May 12, 2026
This sparked further anger and confusion from fans who didn’t like the new name and thought it made no sense considering the image being pushed by the show.
Hate it so much like prelude was miles better but whatever https://t.co/6Ebk1e8jVm
— rachel ⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ (@motelroses) May 12, 2026
so awkward omg https://t.co/eWpIyLngnT
— Raewna Mark (@raewnam26622182) May 12, 2026
wtf ?? https://t.co/QblcHV898Z
— shinjuu | YOUNG CREATOR CREW (@shizukaespa) May 12, 2026
atp should’ve just been prelude https://t.co/kn9Pbpij4S
— wolfiesqualley (@tombsraiders) May 12, 2026