Have INFINITE lost their rookie mindset?

[in-noctem.livejournal.com]

Summary: On the May 25th broadcast of a variety show called 'High Society', INFINITE and the show's producers/staff were asked to pick who they thought was the top amongst girl group idols.

Lee Soo Geun - Minah
Kim Byung Man - Yoona
Sunggyu - Seungyeon
Woohyun - Krystal
Hoya - Krystal
Sungyeol - Taeyeon
L - Suzy
Sungjong - Seohyun






The producers then decided to only reveal the top 5 and it was revealed that Minah placed in 3rd, having received the majority of the cameramen's votes.

Sungjong then asked, "Isn't this manipulated?" and Sungjong asked, "This is totally manipulated, totally manipulated..." causing Lee Soo Geun to reply that it wasn't. The male staff also explained that Minah is really cute lately, etc etc, quieting the other members. Then Hoya raised his hand and said, "Did the scriptwriters manipulate this??? Are you sure the results are right??" and kept cringing/looking discontented at Minah being in 3rd.







Then it was revealed that Krystal came in 2nd and Woohyun and Hoya celebrated since they both chose Krystal.

OP: "I understand that we all have idols that we favorite more than others but there was absolutely no need for INFINITE to accuse Minah coming in 3rd as being manipulated with such straight faces like that. I really question whether it was necessary for them to have repeated it that many times. Even when Lee Soo Geun tried to explain why, they kept denying it...

I feel like conversations like these are more appropriate for off camera, private places. Isn't it wrong for them to accuse a show of manipulation just because a girl group member is more popular than they thought? They could've just accepted it and moved on.

Imagine how Minah would feel if she saw this broadcast."

-

Inspirits shields + OP's retorts:

1. There was a consequence in place for whoever chose the last ranking star: "This is a poor shield because a public figure should know that they should always, always be cautious and careful when talking about another celebrity, both in their actions and their words. The shield also doesn't make sense because Sungyeol accused the ranking of being manipulated even after he placed 5th with Taeyeon, meaning he was exempt from the consequence."

2. The members were cheering because there was a prize on the line: "Woohyun and Hoya cheered for Krystal despite there being no prize for the 2nd place winner."

-

1. [+694, -95] It's because INFINITE knows that they've gotten popular now. You know what Sunggyu said on Weekly Idol? They asked him to do the Hooing Hooing Aegyo and he said "We're not that low of a level to be doing those things anymore"... I was really shocked when he said that and my affections for him immediately disappeared.

2. [+485, -69] What a mess. Speaking directly, seeing as how they never had any controversies in the past but this week has been nothing but explosive controversies for them means that they've not only lost their roots, but they're getting cocky with fame. They're public figures, they should know to watch their mouths. How can they not manage their facial expressions that badly and ask out loud whether the ranking was manipulated? That puts Lee Soo Geun in such an awkward position. I'm really curious as to how Inspirits will shield this. I remember when Sunggyu said he liked Hyuna and Hyuna got so much hate... I always thought journalist Kim Yong Ho was firing empty shots when he tweeted about INFINITE but it seems he was right. INFINITE has lost their roots.

3. [+412, -50] I initially thought they were really close with Minah because there's no way you can speak that way about someone like that without it being wrong. Hoya kept asking if it was manipulated... and that Lee Sungyeol kid really needs to watch this mouth. He said that other thing where he didn't understand why idols were banned from dating and all of INFINITE got so much hate for that. I felt bad for the rest of the members because they all said that they prioritized work over dating.

4. [+95, -13] They don't seem to know that Minah has way more public recognition than INFINITE;;; INFINITE is just a group that teens like ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

5. [+81, -11] Hoya's facial expression seriously pisses me off. There's no need to make a face like that over something so trivial.

6. [+74, -3] I'm an Inspirit myself but... I was really disappointed as well. It made me feel uncomfortable when Sunggyu declined to do the aegyo on Weekly Idol because it was beneath them... I became a fan of INFINITE because they always worked from the bottom up.. I miss the INFINITE that cried when they first took home their #1 win. I feel like if they keep this up, they're going to hit a huge controversy that will just drop their efforts down to the floor. Please.. don't lose your roots.

7. [+69, -5] Seems like this is as far as INFINITE can go. They only have down to go from here.

8. [+67, -8] Hoya really looks like he's pissed about it ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

9. [+37, -0] Even super seniors Shinhwa do whatever they're asked... and these pathetic kids are arguing about levels?

10. [+25, -0] I still love INFINITE but I have to admit that they're not what they used to be. They've changed a lot, you can tell from their variety appearances... I was really turned off by Sungyeol oppa when he asked what 'hopeless' meant, a word that's in the lyrics of Dongwoo's rap part in their 'Paradise' song. How could you sing a song for years and not know what it means or even bother to look it up? It just shows that he just sang whatever he was given without thought, and that's so wrong...


source: pann + netizenbuzz

Thoughts? I haven't watched High Society so I can't comment on this particularly article. However as an Infinite fan, I have noticed a change in behaviour/attitude but idk if the change can be attributed to the fact that they're all much more comfortable being in the limelight now versus letting fame get to their heads.

Comments

[hearttaek.livejournal.com]

While I do think they boys have "changed" since their rookie days, i do believe the whole article is a bit reaching. Sure, they're more confident, and more comfortable in shows and joke a lot in a sarcastic way. But i dont think they're actually being arrogant or whatnot.

Whatever, i still really enjoy watching infinite ganging up on leader gyu variety shows, and they're a generally fun group of guys so i definitely enjoy the shows they're on.

[in-noctem.livejournal.com]

And the comment pointing out Sunggyu's behaviour on Weekly Idol wasn't a really good argument imo because they guys are close to Hyungdon and Defconn and I'm pretty sure it was meant to be a joke.

[hipployta.livejournal.com]

I think they are just comfortable...Netizens are always upset about something

[ceecile.livejournal.com]

I wonder though, is that annoying ship a thing in Korea? It seems like an i-fans thing. Those crazy Myungzy shippers are actually ruining Suzy's tag for me.
I though he just picked her because clearly she would win and he'd get the prize. But of course now they're all MY SHIP IS SAILING AND THEY CALLED US DELUSIONAL!!!

Ugh sorry I'm ranting.

[hearttaek.livejournal.com]

Just how big is infinite in korea?
In terms of popularity and general public knowing their existence. Not their likability.

Obviously not as big as big bang. Suju? Mblaq? B2st? 2PM/2AM?

[ultimaaa.livejournal.com]

If you go by fancafe rankings they're almost on par with Beast and above 2PM, but it's not necessarily an accurate representation because of the nature of CF deals and the like.

[yeolcarp.livejournal.com]

oh I just watched this episode, and I admit some red flags went up when this scene happened. It is rude that they don't believe Minah is that popular, but I think that when you compare it to the other girls they had chosen (e.g Seohyun, Yoona, and Krystal) it can be a shock that a more "rookie" idol is picked over them. This is more ignorance than it is arrogance, but whatever. They're idols, we can't really know how they are.

[a-cheshire-grin.livejournal.com]

That's all good and well. In comparison to Yoona, Seohyun and Krystal, Minah can seem like "the odd one out", but I think it was rude of them to ask so often: "What, did she really come in third place?!" They even ask if the ranking was manipulated and Hoya's face...-.-

I think they handled the situation in a pretty poor way!

[eishastan.livejournal.com]

I was also surprised to see Minah on the list tbqh, i don't even know why she's there with so many more relevant female idols to choose from... the article is reaching and netizens are overreacting once again.

[illustratedd.livejournal.com]

Yeah mte.

[kelseyum.livejournal.com]

my goodness, do netizens really have nothing to do but shit on people all day?
i'd of been shocked too, because girls day isn't a group that you think of when you think of a girl group (ie. snsd, kara, 2ne1, etc.), or minah isn't an idol you automatically think of either (ie. any snsd, suzy, hyuna)

also i'm just more shocked at sunggyu, when did he stop liking hyuna? lol

[confuqued.livejournal.com]

I'm sure he still likes Hyuna but on Beatles Code I think he said something about fans getting angry at him for mentioning her so much.

[toshi830.livejournal.com]

wait who was #1 then?

[lysblack.livejournal.com]

[bleuvelvet.livejournal.com]

i don't really see the big deal with this. the gyu comment on weekly idol was a joke and the high society thing isn't really worth a controversy imo.
i find it funny though that this is what gets infinite into trouble and not the things gyu/myungsoo have said that are actually offensive.

[hearttaek.livejournal.com]

Ooohhh what offensive thing has L said?

[sergel02.livejournal.com]

All I know is that Dongwoo is forever sweet and adorable.

[pentrue.livejournal.com]

bb is forever flaw-free.

[ixion124.livejournal.com]

only thing that bothers me is hoya newfound doucheness, plz tone it down, dont be another taeyang

[queenhinata.livejournal.com]

Hoya's face....lol

[missaoki.livejournal.com]

I’ve not been watching them on variety shows lately, but I’ve been hearing rumors about Infinite letting fame get to their heads (especially Hoya).

Honestly I do sense that they have changed, they’re more confident and comfortable being in the limelight at the moment. Not getting any vibe of arrogance from them though. Sungyeol definitely has a big mouth, I must admit that but that is one of his traits that I love. Netizens are just ITCHING TO PICK ON THEM.

[hearttaek.livejournal.com]

I think even hoya admitted that he did get cocky after reply1997.

[allthingsgood.livejournal.com]

So...everyone is refuting the Weekly Idol stuff but nobody is mentioning how the Minah thing is rude as hell to say on camera? :\

[sergel02.livejournal.com]

This is what I was thinking. I mean the Weekly idol thing could be out of context, but stuff about Minah, especially with such stern faces (tho i didn't watch it, so maybe they were laughing seems kind of mean, even as friends.

[lysblack.livejournal.com]

i had the same reaction as them. :/

[hearttaek.livejournal.com]

Them netizens? Or them infinite?

[sakuragirl24.livejournal.com]

They might have lost the rookie mindset, but they also lost their underdog status, so as much as I would like them to go back to that special flavor or spark (idk how to express it) they had at the beginning, it's understandable. I can see why they don't behave the same way now that they sold hundreds of thousands of albums and moved into a luxury apartment.
Now I didn't see that episode yet but I don't really want to believe they were just being douchey about Minah, there must be a specific context. At least I hope :/

hmmmm not sure that made sense lol its 5AM

[kazu-kumaguro.livejournal.com]

from what I read I think they'd get a prize if the girl they chose win the 'popularity contest', they're clearly joking, those guys are friends with many 'underdog' female idols.

and I like Minah the best from that list.

[confuqued.livejournal.com]

You know I thought Hoya was always kind of 'fierce' but maybe it's a new thing and if so I'm glad he's getting checked on it.

But GrumpyGyu has a persona on weekly idol, Netizen's don't know what they are talking about.

Anyway Netizens find look for fault in all almost everyone, so /shrug/

[chunsakuma.livejournal.com]

i completely agree with netizen #6, the one who said I'm an Inspirit myself but... I was really disappointed as well. It made me feel uncomfortable when Sunggyu declined to do the aegyo on Weekly Idol because it was beneath them... I became a fan of INFINITE because they always worked from the bottom up.. I miss the INFINITE that cried when they first took home their #1 win. I feel like if they keep this up, they're going to hit a huge controversy that will just drop their efforts down to the floor. Please.. don't lose your roots.

they HAVE changed and are starting to 초심을 잃다 (i can't work out exactly how to say it in english but i think 'lose your roots' like in the above netizen comment is close enough). it's not like girl's day is a group from the depths of nugu-dom... i mean, their last song charted extremely well and if they're well-received with their next comeback, it's not a stretch that they could get #1.

i love infinite too, so i get that some people are biased, but imo said people are doing themselves a disservice by not realising or accepting that infinite definitely fucked up in this instance.

[iznanassi.livejournal.com]

That's pretty rude. Idk if you can attribute it to letting fame get to their heads but it's definitely almost as bad as Teuk and Key body-shaming idols.

Cheering someone on isn't putting others down, and it's definitely immature of them to do the latter. What a shame, they seemed so nice.

[elementalranger.livejournal.com]

Ita with all you points and I think ppl who are having trouble understanding how rude it was should think of how they would react if someone from another group said this about an infinite member in a reverse situation.

[eleclya111.livejournal.com]

Weird... I was watching this just moments ago and I didn't see anything rude towards Minah herself? To me it sounded like they were saying the results were manipulated because the two hosts' choices got more votes than theirs, not because of the girls themselves? They all looked pretty happy when Soogeun chose Minah, earlier~

[chanyeolized.livejournal.com]

shh! don't say that! we sound like those "Opparr didn't mean it!" fans!

but yeah jokes aside, i think they meant that too...but it just reminded me why hoya used to get edited out from their earlier variety shows in the first place...

[jayene25.livejournal.com]

Uh, that's pretty fucked up what they did to Minah. The fact that Hoya kept insisting on manipulation (and why the fuck would the staff do that any way?) made it even worse. But I guess Oppa didn't mean it...

[merely-a-facade.livejournal.com]

The guys are insensitive and poorly handled the situation. That being said, knetizen's comments (from netizenbuzz?) really annoyed me because ... so, idols aren't humans? They're aren't allowed to have opinions on dating/life and disagree to do something that they don't like? They have to do everything that they're told? Does anyone ever? (Spoiler alert: NEVER because then you'd never figure out who you really are.)


And I've never been fond of being 'meek.' It's always good to know your worth -- it's exactly the people who think that you should be 'humble' or 'gracious' who are take advantage of you and trying to push you down further.

[engraved-16.livejournal.com]

i got sooo confused by that! Like why would sungyeol get hate for stating an opinion on idols being banned from dating -__- i wish some netziens would just grow up already

[2ne3rd.livejournal.com]

I know the polite "idol-like" thing to do would be to smile and act like they gave a damn about Minah, but I can't help laugh at Hoya's face. God I love his bitchy side<3 Anyways yes, they're beginning to show signs of having more confidence and giving less "standard answers" and it's bound to piss some people off, but as long as they don't go too overboard a la Suju/Shindong than I'm good.

[hurtmybones.livejournal.com]

fugly and shitty manners? disband rn plz

[illustratedd.livejournal.com]

Reaching