When it comes to diverse K-Pop companies, FNC Entertainment has never been short of talent, whether it’s bands, boy groups, girl groups, or actors.
The FNC website with all the artists signed under the company
Yet, FNC are being called out for their mismanagement and mistreatment of some of their groups.
One group that FNC is being accused of mismanagement is SF9. Since debuting in 2016, SF9 has continued to impress fans with their diverse talents, unreal stage presence, and charm.
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While FANTASY has always criticized the management of SF9, it seems to have resurfaced after Inseong and Youngbin returned from the military, and they had a comeback with the hit song “BIBORA.”
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Similarly to the case of the song “Trauma,” netizens (and even the members) were surprised at how short the promotion period was, with the group only doing four live performances.
Here us out FNC!!! You need to value SF9 more!!! They have so so much potential to grow even more on each comeback if only you could handle their promotions properly!#SF9DeservesBetter #FNC_TREAT_SF9_BETTER@FNC_ENT @SF9_FANCLUB
— Fei⁹⋈ • exomxday6sf9dcen- ❥ (@zuwooniism) February 16, 2024
Yet, many shared that FNC was willing to do many weeks, and even months, of fan events, which, while good for fans, didn’t help to promote the group. In particular, while the album was released in January, the last fan call event wasn’t until March and with the members’ busy individual schedules, there were times that some members were absent.
[] 2024.03.03 SF9 13TH MINI ALBUM [Sequence] 팬 사인회 (applemusic)#SF9 #에스에프나인 #Sequence #비보라 #BIBORA pic.twitter.com/Qs8w4AtuoV
— SF9_FANCLUB (@SF9_FANCLUB) March 3, 2024
FANTASY knows the talent of SF9 and even shared their own ways the company should promote the group more.
how fnc could promote sf9 better: pic.twitter.com/FD74iMsZcT
— idgaf era ✩∞ (@hwifixation) April 15, 2024
They especially focused on the poor management by FNC through a document.
…fantasy don’t make up shit it’s here for your reading https://t.co/CPhEsRMrKW
— idgaf era ✩∞ (@hwifixation) April 19, 2024
After Zuho left FNC and doing his solo activities through Haewadal Entertainment, the idol alluded several times that FNC had gotten rid of his fingerprint at the building and restricted his access to the group’s social media accounts. Considering how much Zuho loves SF9 and FANTASY, it angered fans.
oh this is crazy. zuho said he stopped by fnc for a second, but he can’t go in. seems like they removed the face recognition pic.twitter.com/sH27SHrJXP
— 병아리상혁 (@colorsdw) April 3, 2024
what a petty company ffs….. its real that he dont have access to sf9 acc anymore….. https://t.co/V0HxxkCZJS
— nini • inactive (internship) (@pumscastles) April 18, 2024
More recently, in a document about the FNC artists, it was explained that SF9’s activities would be limited due to members being in the military. At the time of writing, only Jaeyoon is serving in the army, and even with Dawon set to enlist, the group has promoted and performed with as little as five members.
the most stupid statement i ever read @FNC_ENT . It’s not like all members of SF9 enlist? There a lot of other group that their member in military but still can do tour lah hanat. Sending them to killing voice or give them content like sepcenter not gonna harm you. pic.twitter.com/FZxxUrVHvp
— ainu (@chanimonroll) April 19, 2024
Yet, it’s not just SF9 that netizens believe has been massively mistreated, and many have shared their worries for the girl group Cherry Bullet.
The members of Cherry Bullet | @cherrybullet/Twitter
Since debuting, Cherry Bullet has continuously released amazing and catchy music that has caught the attention of netizens, and the members have captured the hearts of fans.
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Yet, despite their successful comebacks, the past few years have frustrated fans.
They were moved to FNC’s sublabel.
FNC Entertainment Announces New Labels For Trot And Girl Groups
While nothing seemingly changed, it was combined with a lot more mismanagement.
The lack of communication when three members left, or the lack of activities, has caused fans to share their anger over the years. In particular, rather than a comeback, FNC seemed to try to take advantage of the members’ lack of promotions by putting members on both Girls Planet 999…
And Queendom Puzzle, where the members shared their sadness that their achievements focused on their acting rather than idol careers.
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Fast forward to 2024, and it’s been over 400 days without a comeback for the group.
Fans have continuously shared their anger towards FNC and listed the amount of mistreatment the group has received since debuting. While K-Pop is a competitive industry, Cherry Bullet undoubtedly has a place in the industry to shine, but fans believe FNC isn’t allowing them to shine.
Every Time Cherry Bullet was mistreated by FNC from 2019 – Present #WhereIsCherryBullet
Treat Cherry Bullet Better pic.twitter.com/nMOApBPcpA
— Lullet Official (@LulletOfficial) April 18, 2024
In the recent document about the future of the FNC artists, netizens were shocked that Cherry Bullet wasn’t even mentioned.
Cherry Bullet is already in their 5th year but it is evident that they are not treated fairly. Below is the list of mistreatments that we demand FNC to answer and improve on.
We would like to ask lullets to MASS EMAIL fnc with the template provided below#CherryBullet #체리블렛 pic.twitter.com/dmYV887GHi
— Cherry Bullet International (@CherryBulletInt) April 18, 2024
The lack of communication about Cherry Bullet and their future releases in K-Pop has sparked renewed anger towards the company. On social media, fans shared their anger at the company but sadness towards the members.
seeing the way this company has failed cherry bullet time and time again as a pre debut lullet has been so heartbreaking please treat my girls better they are too talented to not be promoting
TREAT CHERRY BULLET BETTER#WhereIsCherryBullet @FNC_ENTpic.twitter.com/5VJ8UzJC4m
— amze♡ (@chaeriize) April 18, 2024
cherry bullet is one of the most talented groups out there! they are so dedicated and want more with their careers, they deserve better!!!!!! #WhereIsCherryBullet @FNC_ENT pic.twitter.com/82Pa3p8ker
— nat (@ariesheojiwon) April 18, 2024
It’s been 407 days since Cherry Bullet’s last comeback… Please join us and let FNC know that it’s time for them to do their part and give @cherrybullet proper and fair treatment.
TREAT CHERRY BULLET BETTER#WhereIsCherryBullet @FNC_ENT pic.twitter.com/hR05wuUeAm
— rin #WhereIsCherryBullet (@katsunosunrise) April 17, 2024
cherry bullet was one of the first groups i stanned and it’s devastating to see the company treating my girls this bad#WhereIsCherryBullet pic.twitter.com/8H04Jg2SZb
— bella (@garamgrapes) April 18, 2024
All of the artists at FNC are extremely talented, and fans think they all deserve the same treatment to showcase them on a large scale to K-Pop fans globally.
