“Monetize his suffering…”
Koreaboo
8 minutes ago
HYBE has been hit with backlash after being criticized for exploiting &TEAM member Nicholas during a “vulnerable” moment in a new video.
&TEAM recently released a video from their fan showcase in Korea.
During the video, they showed a heartbreaking moment when speaking about Nicholas being unable to participate in the comeback, with EJ and Fuma trying to reassure him that it was okay to rest.
behind of when nico couldn’t participate in the showcase (w/ leaderz)
🎮 we can’t have you collapsing today. […] for the team, you need to rest.
🍓 i think i’ll regret it for the rest of my life if i don’t go on
🍊 […] believe in the 8 of us, okay?
🎮 rest comes first, okay? pic.twitter.com/tPBDcTzQ9E
— cori ★ (@minisodeweno) June 1, 2026
While some loved the bond between the members and how they were trying to reassure Nicholas…
im bawling my eyes out rn the way leaderz were trying so hard to reassure nico telling him it’s not his fault, no one is disappointed in him and that his health comes first but still nico couldn’t stop crying he must’ve felt so guilty and upset…. my heart hurts so bad :(( pic.twitter.com/6w7DUOvyjB
— ᴍᴀɴᴇʟ♡ (@nicoiichigo) June 1, 2026
im bawling my eyes out rn the way leaderz were trying so hard to reassure nico telling him it’s not his fault, no one is disappointed in him and that his health comes first but still nico couldn’t stop crying he must’ve felt so guilty and upset…. my heart hurts so bad :(( pic.twitter.com/6w7DUOvyjB
— ᴍᴀɴᴇʟ♡ (@nicoiichigo) June 1, 2026
It sparked backlash towards HYBE for exploiting the idols and filming Nicholas when he was distraught about not being able to perform, with some claiming it was done just for the company to monetize on his sadness. Many found it wrong that they filmed Nicholas when he was vulnerable.
we need to stop normalising companies filming their idols when they’re not well cause nico was clearly distraught about not being able to perform plus he wasn’t doing well physically. its honestly dehumanising to shove a camera in his face and try monetise his suffering like that
— em ★ semi inactive (@lunarwonz) June 1, 2026
tbh that felt a bit too vulnerable to be included in the behind scenes as “content” 😅😅
— (◉ ⎵ ◉)/～🍊 (@jujyuugoya) June 1, 2026
like i love seeing the behind the scenes and how their showcases work but this was an incredibly vulnerable moment (all i hope is nico was aware and approved)
— koo ♡ (@jujukuromi) June 1, 2026
although filming nico felt too vulnerable and invasive im happy he has that support system around him that calmed him even a little + pic.twitter.com/F81l7G9IUs
— miya bewitched (@miyaorashi) June 1, 2026