8D Entertainment / @jade_anhye
On August 2, 2021, 8D Entertainment revealed through a simple statement that member Love, the former leader of OnlyOneOf, would be wrapping up his activities and leaving the group. The only explanation for such a decision that was shared with fans was that Love had personal reasons for taking such a step and as such, speculations should be avoided. It has been months since the declaration but no clear reason was given to fans for Love's sudden departure. Seeing as it is most definitely lyOns' right to know more about their leader's decision (which a lot of lyOns are contesting might not be entirely voluntary), thousands of fans have come together to create a campaign demanding full disclosure regarding the departure as well as an addressal of various issues concerning the official fancafe of OnlyOneOf, fan meeting rescheduling and more.
Keep reading for a full account of what's happening in the lyOn community.
On the 27th of October, 2021, lyOns arranged for a billboard showcasing Love, whose real name is Park JiSung that sent across a clear message. On behalf of lyOns, it said, "Love, we miss you, support you, love you, and are fighting for you. Fans bought this billboard because 8D Entertainment has refused requests to finalize details around Love's sudden departure on 2021-08-02. The money spent on this billboard could have been spent on OnlyOneOf, if 8D had done their job."
Just in case everyone didn't get a chance to see the billboard that went up in South Korean on 2021-10-27, here it is again.
혹시나 모두가 2021-10-27에 대한민국에서 올라간 광고판을 볼 기회가 없었을까 봐, 다시 한 번 나누었어요.#지성아_러브해#lyOns_always_here_for_Love pic.twitter.com/sGK8gCvUUo— Ash 👾 (@jade_anhye) October 30, 2021
Fans pointed out that OnlyOneOf had lost a lot of monthly listeners on Spotify since Love's departure, their fancafe ranking and attendance had decreased, and that their latest single was rushed at best. They also believe that by leaving such loose ends, 8D Entertainment is not fulfilling their responsibility of taking care of their only boy group. Another issue that has been concerning the fandom is that scheduling OnlyOneOf's fan-signing event after announcing the departure of Love is in a way misleading to fans who were going to be attending the event to meet all the members, including Love. In addition, the word 'Love' and phrases related to the same were abruptly banned on OnlyOneOf's official fancafe, once again indicating an unfairness in their treatment of both fans and Love. Users who posted photos of all the original members together were also reportedly banned from the platform.
The #RoadTo200K is paved with 8D’s squandering the talent and time of their only debuted boy group, not communicating when faced with valid criticism and not fulfilling promises to fans to reschedule fansigns. #지성아_러브해#lyOns_always_here_for_Love#OnlyOneOf #온리원오브 pic.twitter.com/SkIRVTtpEc
— Pabo Picasso (@Pabo_Picasso) October 27, 2021
The fact that Love has also not addressed fans (or has not been allowed to) with respect to his departure is also a matter of grave concern for fans because it is highly unlikely that Love would leave the group without sharing his final thoughts with lyOns. Even though it is hard to believe that it was entirely Love's conscious choice, as fans were told through the initial announcement, fans have been nothing but respectful towards Love and have been showering him with endless support and encouraging messages. Their anger and dissatisfaction are directed towards 8D Entertainment, who could not protect their artists in an ideal way. Fans are using hashtags like "#lyOns_always_here_for_Love" on Twitter to organize their thoughts and feelings.
Regardless of how things turned out, one thing is certain: lyOns have been fighting for OnlyOneOf and their dreams and will continue to love and support them endlessly.
What do you think of this situation? Share your thoughts with Kpopmap in the comments section down below!
Press unlimited hearts and cheer for the artist!
Press unlimited hearts and cheer for the artist!
Comments