As IVE’s latest album Switch was recently launched, many fans took the weekend to go down to make physical purchases. One reason for fans to do so is because they can do on-the-spot swaps for photocards with other fans. Many bought their albums at WithMuu on May 4, 2024, but ended up damaging their precious photocards instead.
Fans laid out their pulls on a stone bench near the store.
| @loveive_lisi/X
They didn’t expect for a fountain to be suddenly activated, drenching their precious photocards.
| @loveive_lisi/X
According to fans, they had been in the midst of exchanging their pulls, when the fountain was activated without warning, leaving them and their cards wet.
아이브 위드뮤 분수사건
교환하는데 갑자기 분수나와서 다 젖어버린 사건이다 ㅅㅂ pic.twitter.com/dkWd49pW81
— 리시 (@loveive_Lisi) May 4, 2024
While netizens wondered why fans would choose a fountain as their exchange location, it turned out that it was actually set by WithMuu, the retailer. Most retailers designate a location for exchanges on the day of huge releases, so as not to disturb the store or surroundings. Their careless choice in location ended up causing losses for the fans.
Some fans went to the store to complain, but claimed that “they were ignored.”
위드뮤 지금 우리말 무시중 pic.twitter.com/OA9o4QQLvA
— 리시 (@loveive_Lisi) May 4, 2024
Netizens were outraged for the fans.
| theqoo Do you think fans are pushovers? Did they do that because they think IVE’s fans are young, so they can’t threaten lawsuits or react strongly? Huh, I’m asking because I don’t know these things well, but isn’t there space in the store? Why did they make people gather outside? No, but why did they tell fans to do it at the fountain? No, f*ck, I was like, did the fans gather there for the exchange out of their own will, but turns out that the location was designated by WithMuu. It’s WithMuu’s fault, these b*stards. WithMuu needs to take responsibility. Gasp, they need to compensate the fans for it. Gasp!
WithMuu has not spoken on the matter.
