When a K-Pop idol does something to be “canceled” by fans, regardless of how serious the situation is, a part of the fandom usually completely abandons them.
For example, fans destroyed merchandise during the laughable protests following EXO Chen‘s marriage announcement…
| Yonhap
…while former fans of Kim Woojin burned his merch after now-proven false allegations of sexual assault and more were first announced.
#WOOJIN: lol that was embarrassing !!! anyways support my solo career pic.twitter.com/WfMNz28Lgc
— kas 🙂 is missing ateez 🙁 (@DI0RJWYY) September 8, 2020
Usually, the burning of merch is meant to signify the end of supporting that idol, but a fan of NCT‘s Johnny recently proved that false, though it sparked mixed reactions.
NCT’s Johnny | SM Entertainment
While many fansites only share photos of their selected idol, others use their photos to create unofficial merchandise like calendars and slogans.
Fansite produced slogan for ZEROBASEONE’s Zhanghao
Fansite Shine4John is one fan currently advertising “cheering kits” for the idol, which include fans, slogans, and other items featuring images of Johnny. These items are pretty standard for fansite goods, but some feature a unique twist.
Cheering Kit for #JOHNNY
(ᴄ) sʜɪɴᴇ𝟒ᴊᴏʜɴ
THE UNITY TOKYO 現地販売
事前予約はせず、公演当日、公演場近くで販売しますので、ツイッターのメッセージに留意お願いします
•特典は先着順で差し上げます pic.twitter.com/ydY9iRTDZc
— 𝑺𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒆𝟒𝑱𝒐𝒉𝒏 (@Shine4John_0209) March 7, 2024
In a clip uploaded on the fansite’s X account, a person holding photos of Johnny is shown striking a match and holding it to the photo. However, instead of burning, the heat from the lit match removes Johnny’s “shirt,” revealing his bare chest.
[Video could not be displayed]
[Video could not be displayed]
Some were left in shock and awe at the creativity of the fansite’s goods
my jaw dropped ohmygosh need johnny reaction https://t.co/kq66jnPzLo
— (@lilbubseungyoon) March 7, 2024
op u’r a genius https://t.co/iZUmqCzU9n
— meri saw doyoung tf (@coupsv88) March 7, 2024
yall are so damn creative agahshsjs https://t.co/aCCdQ1cXjh
— guy (𝒿𝒾𝓌𝑜𝑜𝓃𝑔’𝓈 𝓋𝑒𝓇𝓈𝒾𝑜𝓃) (@tenderyv) March 7, 2024
Others found it strange because Johnny was already shirtless in the original photos and allowing fans to “take off” his clothes didn’t sit well. Many felt this twist was another way of objectifying the idol for his body.
I just want yall to take a second to remember that he’s a real person.
Hope this helps 🩷 https://t.co/vlJmrTqXpj
— 𝕪𝕒𝕟𝕒 𝕓𝕒𝕟𝕒𝕟𝕒 (@shiyanasays) March 7, 2024
why not just give the pictures as is instead of making the fans “take off” his shirt ? https://t.co/pOU26wX1fM
— kish🩷 (@peachyeongi) March 7, 2024
can yall be fucking normal like we really didn’t need to make this https://t.co/5fBlsMX1Gk
— ali~johnnys pr manager (@suhnny127) March 7, 2024
This is very weird… like do yall only care about his body? https://t.co/RUpo9MzX4O
— Lex (@FairyLightHwa) March 7, 2024
While Johnny has shown no discomfort in showing off his hard-earned physique, it is understandable why some would have discomfort with this sort of merch.
