Kim Jun Seo, well-known as a former member of 1THE9 and current member of WEi, made a bold step in 2025 by debuting as an actor in the BL drama Secret Relationships. Taking the lead role, Jun Seo showed a different side of his talent, winning praise from international fans for his charm and natural performance.
However, while global audiences applauded his courage in choosing a BL project, some Korean fans reacted harshly. They launched a hate campaign against him, reflecting ongoing stigma toward BL roles in South Korea.
Entering the Survival Show Spotlight
At the same time, Kim Jun Seo joined Mnet’s highly anticipated survival competition Boys II Planet. Initially, he impressed viewers with his leadership skills and kindness toward fellow trainees. Many believed he could secure a place in the final lineup.
But soon, things changed.
The “Bad” Performance and the Start of Controversy
The turning point came during the performance of Bad. Through selective editing, Mnet portrayed Jun Seo as an ineffective leader and even lazy. He was shown skipping late-night practice sessions, while another leader, Geonwoo, was highlighted for working tirelessly. In reality, Jun Seo was reportedly away filming for M Countdown—but viewers never saw that context.
To make matters worse, footage of Jun Seo laughing with a teammate was deliberately edited to appear as if it happened right after another member, Masato, was crying. The manipulation painted Jun Seo as cold and insensitive, sparking outrage online.
Manufactured Villain: The Power of “Evil Editing”
This kind of distortion is not new. Mnet has long been accused of “evil editing” to boost drama and ratings, often at the expense of trainees’ reputations. In Jun Seo’s case, the strategy worked too well. Hate comments flooded online platforms, and even the friend of another contestant uploaded a TikTok video mocking him. Although the video was later deleted, the damage was already done.
Speculation soon arose that Jun Seo’s rising popularity—and even his age and upcoming military enlistment—might have made him an “inconvenient” choice for Mnet’s ideal lineup. By turning him into a villain, the show could control the narrative.
Fans and Friends Speak Out
Thankfully, not everyone bought into the narrative. International fans quickly noticed the editing tricks and began defending Jun Seo online, pointing out the unfair portrayal.
Even more powerful was the testimony of a former classmate. They described Jun Seo as a “bright, sincere, and caring friend” who was loved by students and teachers alike. According to them, Jun Seo always tried to understand others and lived responsibly throughout his school years. They expressed sadness that his true personality had been distorted for television drama.
Their words highlighted the stark contrast between the real Kim Jun Seo and the manufactured image presented by Mnet.
Escalation to Cyberbullying and Violent Threats
The criticism rapidly escalated beyond the show’s narrative into a severe wave of cyberbullying and hate speech. The situation intensified when the classmate who defended Jun Seo online became a secondary target for abuse. They received a flood of violent direct messages containing death threats, misogynistic slurs, and graphic threats of physical harm. This harassment of a supporter revealed the toxic reality of the backlash, showing that the online outrage had real-world consequences, creating a climate of fear for anyone speaking out against the manipulated narrative.
Agency Response and Next Steps
Kim Jun Seo’s agency, OUI Entertainment, has hinted at legal action against malicious rumors and defamatory posts, a common step for companies protecting their idols. Still, the psychological impact of being targeted by mass hate cannot be underestimated.
Beyond the Hate: Why Kim Jun Seo’s Story Matters
Kim Jun Seo’s journey illustrates both the risks and the courage involved in taking on a BL role in South Korea. By starring in Secret Relationships, he opened himself to international praise but also to local backlash. On Boys II Planet, his growing popularity may have threatened production goals, leading to an orchestrated downfall through editing.
But fans should not forget: behind the headlines and hate campaigns is a talented idol and actor who has given his best to every stage and project. His story is a reminder that survival shows are not always reality—and that the true measure of an artist is their character and dedication, not manipulated clips.
