In a candid and emotional revelation that has sent shockwaves through the K-pop community, members of the girl group Fromis_9 have opened up about the harsh and dehumanizing treatment they faced under Pledis Entertainment. Specifically, the label allegedly went to extreme lengths to prevent the junior girl group from interacting with their senior boy group SEVENTEEN, creating an environment of fear, isolation, and inequality that many netizens are now calling outright misogynistic and cruel. The shocking details, shared by Chaeyoung and Jiwon on SEVENTEEN’s Seungkwan’s YouTube show *Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo*, have ignited widespread outrage and renewed discussions about unfair practices within the industry.
During the heartfelt conversation, Seungkwan warmly welcomed his former labelmates, playfully teasing them about leaving Pledis without a proper goodbye. What started as light banter quickly turned serious as the Fromis_9 members described a system designed to keep them almost invisible to SEVENTEEN. Jiwon revealed they “couldn’t even step on their shadows,” while Chaeyoung recounted how staff would urgently warn the girls whenever the senior boys were approaching the practice rooms. In those moments, the members were instructed to immediately remove their shoes and leave the area entirely — sometimes with Chaeyoung speculating it was to avoid any scent issues. The level of precaution painted a picture of junior artists being treated more like inconveniences than valued labelmates.
Seungkwan appeared genuinely shocked and sympathetic, sharing that during SEVENTEEN’s use of the basement practice rooms in the old Pledis building, they rarely saw anyone else. This separation wasn’t accidental but part of a deliberate “system where we could never be seen,” according to Chaeyoung. One particularly telling anecdote involved a Fromis_9 member (likely Chaeyoung herself) singing in a practice room who panicked and fled the moment Seungkwan entered, apologizing profusely as if she had intruded on forbidden territory. The senior idol noted how it looked like she felt she didn’t belong there, highlighting the psychological toll such rules must have taken on the young women.
This revelation has struck a nerve with fans and netizens alike. Many pointed out the stark contrast with how male senior-junior dynamics usually play out under the same label, where mentorship and camaraderie are encouraged. The apparent double standard has fueled accusations of misogyny, with comments flooding social media demanding accountability from Pledis. Critics argue that hiding a girl group to protect the image or focus of a successful boy group reflects deeper industry problems where female artists are often sidelined or treated as secondary. The emotional weight of the members’ stories — sharing these experiences years later with warmth and humor despite the pain — only made the situation more heartbreaking for supporters.
Fromis_9’s journey under Pledis was already marked by challenges, including limited promotion and the pressure of competing in a crowded girl group scene. Learning now about these behind-the-scenes restrictions adds another layer of frustration for fans who watched the members work tirelessly while seemingly operating in the shadows of their more prominent labelmates. The fact that meaningful interactions only happened after leaving the company makes the past treatment feel even more unjust. Seungkwan’s genuine surprise and empathy during the show provided a touching contrast, showing the human side of idols who were kept apart through no fault of their own.
This story opens up broader conversations about power dynamics in K-pop agencies. When senior groups generate massive revenue, labels sometimes prioritize protecting their success at the expense of newer acts, especially girl groups facing additional societal pressures. Fromis_9’s courage in speaking out, even lightly, highlights the importance of artists reclaiming their narratives and pushing for better conditions. It also serves as a wake-up call for fans to look beyond polished comebacks and music videos to understand the real experiences happening backstage.
The backlash has been swift and intense, with many calling for Pledis (now under HYBE) to address these claims directly and commit to fairer treatment across all artists. Others shared similar stories from different companies, suggesting this kind of hierarchical control isn’t isolated. For Fromis_9, who have continued to grow and find success post-Pledis, the revelation feels like a step toward closure and validation. Their resilience in building a career despite such obstacles deserves recognition and respect.
As the K-pop industry evolves with greater scrutiny on mental health, equality, and artist welfare, moments like this force necessary reflection. Idols are not just performers — they are young people navigating intense pressure, and labels have a responsibility to foster supportive rather than divisive environments. Fromis_9’s story reminds us that behind every stage smile there can be untold struggles, and true success should include dignity and opportunity for all artists, regardless of gender or seniority.
The episode with Seungkwan not only exposed past wrongs but also built a bridge of understanding between the groups. It’s a hopeful sign that open dialogue can heal old wounds and inspire positive change moving forward. Fans are now more vocal than ever about supporting Fromis_9 and holding companies accountable, proving that artist-fan solidarity remains one of the strongest forces in the industry. This revelation, painful as it is, ultimately shines a light on the need for kinder, fairer systems that let every talent thrive without unnecessary barriers or fear.
