BLACKPINK'S Jisoo to Jeon Somi: K-pop Idols criticised for sudden endorsements amid boycott uproar

Amid the global Starbucks boycott linked to alleged affiliations with Israel during the Gaza war, K-pop idols are facing controversy for apparently endorsing the coffee giant. In a sudden turn of events, several K-pop figures were seen promoting Starbucks on various social media platforms.

Among them are SEVENTEEN’s Hoshi, Jeon Somi, Kep1er’s Huening Bahiyyih, Yujin, and Xiaoting, IVE’s Liz, Wonyoung, Leeseo, Yujin, Gaeul, and Rei, TWICE’s Jihyo and Sana, EXO’s Chanyeol, ATEEZ’s Seonghwa and Hongjoong, Stray Kids’ Hyunjin and I.N, aespa’s Karina, CN BLUE’s Jung Yonghwa, Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon, Super Junior’s Siwon, Lee Donghae, Red Velvet’s Seulgi, THE BOYZ’s Jaehyun, 2 PM’s Taecyeon and Chansung, BLACKPINK’s Jisoo and Jennie.

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This unexpected endorsement has triggered intense criticism as fans question the idols' association with a brand at the centre of a significant international boycott. 

These idols, known for their usual discretion with brand partnerships, have surprised many by aligning with Starbucks, revealing their stance on the current Gaza situation.

Speculation arises that Starbucks, recognizing the substantial influence of Korean artists, might be engaging them to bolster the brand's image during a "time of crisis" following significant losses due to the boycott and its vague stance on the Gaza-Israel situation.

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On X (formerly Twitter), users are highlighting the perceived hypocrisy of these artists' fans. Despite claims that their favourite idols might be unaware of the Starbucks boycott and the Gaza situation, many argue that Korean idols are generally highly engaged and informed online.

Starbucks, on its official website, denies sending any profits to the Israeli government or military, refuting rumours to the contrary.

Starbucks CEO Laxman Narasimhan asserted earlier this week that protests and disruptions over the Israel-Hamas conflict were based on misinformation circulating online about the company's beliefs.

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