In the K-pop industry, artists generally show mutual respect for one another, and many even share close friendships beyond their professional lives. However, not all fans and netizens are necessarily supportive of these positive relationships between idols. At times, even the smallest interactions or seemingly ordinary moments between artists can spark heated discussions and escalate into major controversies across social media.

The recent Instagram post by IVE member Rei is a clear example of this. Rather than simply attracting attention for an υиєχρє¢тє∂ moment in which she appeared to be “pictured alongside RM (BTS),” the post instead sparked a wave of negative comments targeting both artists.

Specifically, on the 6th, Rei shared several photos taken at D'FESTA: THE ORIGIN, a music and visual arts exhibition organized by Dispatch at IFC Mall. The exhibition features an extensive collection of exclusive photographs, including large-scale black-and-wнιтe portraits and a historic group photo bringing together 48 prominent artists. It also showcases more than 26 artistic photography collections dedicated to individual groups, documenting their journeys from their early days to the peak of their careers.

Since Rei's displayed photos were positioned next to RM's portraits, the BTS leader unintentionally appeared in several of the frames she shared.

Other idols, including James of CORTIS and Jang Wonyoung of IVE, also happened to appear in some of Rei's photos. However, the attention on social media became disproportionately focused on RM.

In the comment section, numerous users left offensive remarks, mocking and body-shaming the idol's appearance. Some even claimed that Rei “outshone” RM in terms of visuals, while others posted sarcastic comments suggesting that the female idol should avoid standing next to or looking at his portrait so she wouldn't be “scared.”

Rei also became a target of criticism from a section of netizens. Some users accused her of deliberately including RM in her post and questioned why she had not cropped his portrait out of the frame or chosen a different angle to avoid potentially sensitive discussions.

In response, many genuine fans spoke out against this behavior. They pointed out that Rei was simply sharing photos from an exhibition she had visited, while RM happened to appear in some of the displayed portraits. Neither artist deserved to become the target of personal attacks over an ordinary Instagram post.

Many also emphasized that turning an artist's appearance into a subject of ridicule, especially when they have done nothing controversial, is disrespectful behavior that should never be normalized within the K-pop fandom community. Some of the comments included:

- “Rei don’t look to your left” Rei literally chose to post a pic with Joon in it. Members of both groups attend each other’s concerts and interact normally, but kpop stans seem to think that just because they hate BTS

- Imagine your idol posts a photo, but all you care about is namjoon. BTS is the main character for them. They don't even care about their own idols, they just hate BTS and they're dedicated to it

- Saw her post on ig and just scrolled because I knew what the comments are going to look like

- Mind you joon looks handsome as fck who can blame this girl like he looks fine n real gentleman 

- Idon't understand how they have a gorgeous woman like Rei posting stunning photos and instead of saying omg she so pretty they start talking sнιт about NJ just bc he’s to be in the background

- They trying to make Nas problematic so they could cancel Namjoon 1928203772976 time. World revolves around Namjoon

- RM and Rei did absolutely nothing wrong. She was simply sharing photos from an exhibition, and he happened to be in the background. Why are people turning such an innocent moment into unnecessary hate?

- The way people are body-shaming RM over a picture is disgusting. You don't have to find someone attractive, but that doesn't give you the right to humiliate them

- Neither of them deserves to be dragged into pointless arguments over a harmless Instagram post. Show some basic respect