Seventeen is criticized for their "shabby" fan tribute gifts compared to other idols

BY jieun-im · November 6, 2023

Seventeen was criticized for their "shabby" fan tribute gifts compared to other idols.

K-Pop idols are known to gift their fans "tribute gifts" during their promotion period to thank them for their support. Idols such as BTS's V was praised for his thoughtful tribute gifts to his fans while performing during his 'VICNIV' fan meeting event. V's gift included a box of cookies shaped like paws and V's dog Yeontan, who is well-loved by his fans. Further, a personal note to his ARMY fans touched many fans' hearts. Other idols like Stray Kids, Sunmi, NCT 127, TOMORROW X TOGETHER, and more have gifted fans with lunch boxes filled with a warm meal, a box full of sweet donuts, treats, homemade cookies, and more.

However, Seventeen's fans were in for a disappointment when they saw that their gift was two cans of kimchi, which had been given to Seventeen for free by a popular kimchi brand in Korea for promotional reasons. Seventee's Hoshi further heated the flame when he posted on his personal Instagram a photo of a huge box of the kimchi cans and wrote, "Kimchi ambassador...this is so nice. Jong Ga is love. Jong Ga - thank you".

Netizens commented:

"Are they sponsored products? If you don't want to use your own money ,at least make some rice balls with your hands for your fans. You can even pretend you made them yourselves..."
"They sold over 5 million albums and they just got canned kimchi for the fans? If I were the Seventeen members, I would have at least made kimchi myself and distributed them to my fans."
"Hoshi really can't read the room."
"Hoshi seems so proud of getting those for free lol."
"At this rate, is this just a concept for them? This is so frickin' funny."
"This is not even a tribute for the fans, but just plan advertisement for the brand."

Photo - Kimchi received by Seventeen's fans: