Musings of a Mushroom

This blog post will discuss the writer’s observation and recommendations on how to move forward with the Monbebe’s fight for Wonho’s return. It will be updated and adjusted every time an event would happen or any news comes out that has something to do with the situation, Starship Entertainment, Monsta X, Wonho and Ketchup and Mustard.

INTRODUCTION:

On October 31, 2019, the Monsta X fandom, collectively known as Monbebes, were stricken with a sudden and heartbreaking news as Lee Hoseok who goes by his stage name Wonho, left the group.[1] Monsta X is a South Korean boy group under Starship Entertainment. Monsta X, composed of 7 members- Shownu, Wonho, Minhyuk, Kihyun, Hyungwon, Jooheon and IM-, debuted on 2015 May 14 through the reality show No Mercy and has since then been working their way towards recognition globally.

Monbebes, who are known even inside the kpop fandom as the peaceful and quiet fandom, suddenly became agitatedover the heart-breaking news and soon the name “Wonho”[2] trended on Titter. Since the news, Monbebes have been actively doing different projects in protest of what happened. Silent protests[3], hashtag trends[4], and evenplacing an AD at New York Times Square[5] are just some of the examples of the different events that was held in protest to what happened.

From the time Wonho left, a series of events unfolded that continuously angered Monbebes such as the blurring of Wonho’s face from SSE Merchandise, removing him from fancafe, re-shooting the dance practice video to feature OT6 which prompted Monbebes from around the world to do more projects in protest of what happened.

As of the writing of this paper, fans are still figuring out different and creative ways to articulate and express their disagreement with the situation. This paper presents a recommended course of action whilst weighing the current situation of the fandom, the facts presented to the public, and other critical considerations. The paper would also present a factual timeline of events that aims to present a clear picture of the actual situation the fandom is currently in.

The writer of this paper wishes to do his/her best in presenting a logical interpretation of the situation and to help every Monbebe to decide on a course of action individually given the presented information about the current situation. The writer also asks for the reader to consider the given recommended course of action given at the end of the paper.

EVENT TIMELINE:

OCTOBER 25, 2019: A video circulated around SNS regarding a Monsta X members- Wonho and Minhyuk[6]– allegedly making a joke about the #METoo movement on a fan sign event last March 9 of the same year. Korean Monbebes (KMBBs)[7] demanded an apology from the two members as the KMBBs felt it was insensitive considering the current situation in Korea about the fight against Misogyny in its society. International Monbebes (IMBBs)[8] and KMBBs had a misunderstanding[9] regarding the issue and twitter handler who spread the video claimed that he/she timed the release of the said video in time for the groups comeback.

Starship Entertainment, Wonho and Minhyuk officially apologized[10] through SNS and fancafe regarding the issue.

OCTOBER 27, 2019: Comeback Vlive for Monsta X’s upcoming Mini Album Follow: Find You which they announced earlier this year.

FAN OBSERVATIONS: (1) The usual mood was down (2) Wonho and Minhyuk had their spirits down. (3) The length of the comeback vlive show was shorter than usual.

OCTOBER 28, 2019: Follow: Find You Mini Album Release[11]

OCTOBER 29, 2019: (1)JDE, a former reality show star, claimed that Wonho owes him/her money through her Instagram post. [12]

(2) JDE released text message screenshots from between him/her and Wonho’s lawyer regarding the allegation. [13] It should also be noted that JDE is currently dating HSH. A controversial figure known in the kpop industry. She is known to be related to similar cases resulting to scandals in other kpop groups as well.

OCTOBER 30, 2019: Starship denies JDE and HSH claims and stated that they would proceed to a legal battle for Wonho against JDE. [14]

OCTOBER 31, 2019: (1) Starship announces parting ways with Monsta X-Wonho.[15]

(2) HSH reveals screenshot of messages claiming that Monsta X- Shownu had an affair with a married woman. [16]

(3) Monsta X-Wonho posts on fancafe a handwritten letter explaining his feelings regarding leaving the group. [17]

(4) Starship Entertainment clarifies the rumor against Monsta X-Shownu. [18]

(5) Wonho trends on twitter as fans oppose his withdrawal from the group. [19]

(6) Monbebes create a petition to keep Wonho in Monsta X.[20]

(7) Monsta X postpones fan event.[21]

(8) HSH reacts to Wonho leaving Monsta X[22]

NOVEMBER 1, 2019: (1) Dispatch claimed that Wonho smoked weed with JDE back in 2013. [23]

(2) Starship Entertainment terminates contract with Wonho. [24]

(3) Starship announces that Monsta X will continue to promote as 6 members. [25]

(4) Fans successfully rally to fund an ad at New York Times Square within 24 hours of the announcement.[26]

(5) Starship took down all the sticky notes fans left in opposition to the withdrawal of Wonho from Monsta X. [27]

NOVEMBER 2, 2019: (1) Starship released Monsta X’s new promotion schedule and posted the first photo of the group as 6. [28]

(2) Fans are planning a protest outside of Starship building and in the US over the next few days. Foreign fans started to fly to Korea to support the silent protest on November 3 with the KMBBs.[29]

NOVEMBER 3, 2019: (1) Photos of a man was shared through SNS claiming that the nude photos are of Monsta X-Shownu.[30] Starship denies claims and clarifies that the photos are illegal and manipulated.

(2) Silent protest was held by KMBBs and some IMBBs who immediately booked flights to Korea upon hearing the news.

NOVEMBER 4, 2019: (1) Starship released a statement in both Korean and English regarding plans to take legal actions for malicious slander, sexual harassment and libelous postings. [31]

(2) JDE retaliates against Monbebes through HSH instagram by stating that Wonho has no talent.[32]

NOVEMBER 5, 2019: (1) The New York Times Ad went live.[33]

(2) Monsta X gets their first win for their comeback song Follow amidst all the controversy and pressure and bows to fans.[34]

NOVEMBER 6, 2019: (1) Monsta Xcontinued to trend on twitter.[35]

NOVEMBER 7, 2019: (1) Medium wrote an article about Monsta X, cyberbullying and the kpop industry.[36]

NOVEMBER 12, 2019: (1) Shownu posted a letter on fancafe thanking fans for the support during the comeback.[37]

NOVEMBER 13, 2019: Wonho removed from the official website. [38]

NOVEMBER 14, 2019: Wonho to be removed from SuperStar Starship.[39]

NOVEMBER 15, 2019: Wonho removed from fancafe header/title.[40]

NOVEMBER 16, 2019: VLIVE Heartbeat awards. Monsta X performed as 6 and did a rap. Monsta X included Monbebes in their credits and they didn’t thank Starship Entertainment in their acceptance speech.

NOVEMBER 17, 2019: Starship Entertainment uploaded a dance practice video of Follow featuring the 6 members only.

NOVEMBER 21, 2019: Wonho was blurred out of old MX merchandise and was not included in the Seasons Greetings 2020 and new merchandise released by Starship Entertainment.

UPDATED AS OF NOVEMBER 29, 2019: It was hinted in Kihyun and Hyungwon’s vlive that Mx is currently shooting MVs and other stuff as 6 members

UPDATED AS OF DECEMBER 06, 2019: (1) Eshy keeps tweeting cryptic tweets confusing fans

(2) Announcement of the release of the new album: February 14, 2017 titled: All about Luv

(3) New English music from Mx titled “Middle of the Night” was released which features Wonho’s voice inducing more confusion from fans.

UPDATED AS OF DECEMBER 07, 2019: (1) Middle of the Night MV was released with featuring the 6 members despite the video featuring Wonho’s voice which the members didn’t lip sync to.

(2) Epic also announced the release of the album and how many albums will be on sale: 7 standard versions; 4 deluxe editions; 1 vinyl edition.

(3) Jooheon was announced to be sick and SSE is deliberating on whether or not he would join Jingle Ball tour

(4) Monsta X performed for Jingle Ball as 5 members performing in both Chicago and Minneapolis without Jooheon.

UPDATED AS OF DECEMBER 11, 2019: (1) Jooheon was announced to be joining the remaining stops for Jingle Ball Tour.

(2) It was recently announced that Changkyun, Hyungwon and Minhyuk will be the only members attending ISAC 2020

(3) It was announced that Monsta X and Sebastian Yatra’s collab will be coming out on the 20^th of December.

FANDOM ASSUMPTIONS:

During the unfolding of the events, numerous claims were assumed by Monbebes due to the lack of concrete information that were presented and given by all the involved parties- Starship Entertainment, Monsta X, and Wonho. The table below attempts to categorize the different relationships between these entities and consolidate all available information and claims in order to have a more visual representation of the situation. The table also attempts to identify the critical information needed from these entities to have a clearer direction on the situation.

Table 1: Writer notes: If there is any assumption missed kindly inform the publisher of the paper and it would be evaluated for inclusion.

The table above shows the different fan assumptions on the parties involved in the case and attempts to identify the facts and the critical information needed to verify the assumptions. The table shows there has been nothing but silence from important entities involved. This vagueness prompted different reactions and assumptions inside the fandom. Given the situation the writer of this paper attempts to identify the problems and sub-problems the fandom must address in order to have clearer direction on the course of action to be taken.

MONBEBES GOAL:

As shown in the table above, information after the “termination” of Wonho’s contract was the last instance any “official” statement was released through all the parties involved. There is an undeniable silence from all parties which made the fandom assume different scenarios that is currently happening internally. The silencehas divided the fandom into different parties with their differing beliefs as to what is actually happening, but despite all the arguments internal of the fandom, MBBs have one goal in common:

“To ensure that Mx will be able to perform as 7 members again in the future. To protect the mental, emotional and physical health of all members. Tto initiate change on the kpop industry’s treatment of idols and fight the injustice of the entire situation of acknowledge that idols are also humans and should be protected according to their rights.”

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM:

As of the writing of this paper, the fandom is in a stalemate.[43] The situation brought about by the silence of all parties involved, drove the fandom in a corner where they are currently divided mainly into two sides: (The terms used by the writer were coined to describe the dominant actions of MBBs in the midst of the current situation.)

Passive Resistance- The passive resistance group is mainly composed of Monbebes who prefers to wait for involved parties to break the silence as they believe that any active move in the current situation will implicate/ bring trouble to the other 6 members and that the agency is actively in a legal battle which justifies their silence. Passive movements are safe and easily organized but unsustainable in the long run for the purpose of this protest. Passive movements include actions or projects that mainly focuses on online and indirect effects, such as trending of hashtags,; cup sleeve events, etc.

Active Resistance- The active resistance group is mainly composed of Monbebes who prefer active actions that would have immediate results as they believe that the company is not actively enthusiastic about bringing back Wonho into the team with the premise that Wonho’s contract has been terminated from an “official” statement released to the media. Active Resistance group also believes that the active actions should be done by the fandom to protect and fight for the rights of OT7. Active movement proposed the boycott of all merchandise from Starship Entertainment to affect them financially and push Starship into action.

Differing opinions within the fandom regarding what is the best course of action to take, brought about many arguments, but both beliefs have one goal which is to bring Wonho back to Monsta X. To achieve the ultimate goal, we must identify the different problems concisely in order to be able to choose a specific course of action that properly considers the overall situation of the problem while maintaining the position as fans who support Monsta X as a 7 member group and individually.

Below are some of the immediate problems that the fandom needs to collectively address in the situation:

The lack of direction as a fandom on the course of action MBBS should take.

As of the writing of this paper, the fandom is currently stuck as to what kind of protest should they do in order to ensure that they can support the other 6 members and Wonho at the same time. Boycott was proposed as one of the ways to which the fandom can express their dissatisfaction with what is happening. The proposition was to boycott any merchandise that is from Monsta X (e.g. SG 2020; Monsta X English Album) with the premise that the boycott’s goal is to bring Wonho back. (source: Monbebe Boycott Document)

Lot of MBBs expressed their concerns regarding the idea, claiming that the boycott will not bring Wonho back to Monsta X. Alternative “active resistance” movement options have not been presented by those who disagree with the boycott. Thus, a clear divide on the future actions of the fandom.

The terms “Active” and “Passive” Resistance were coined to pertain to the two sides of the coin.

The silence of the different parties regarding the issue.

Much of the uneasiness of the situation roots from the lack of concrete information from all parties involved. The silence prompts MBBs to assume scenarios as to what is happening internal of Starship, with Wonho and the arrangements of Starship with the remaining members of Monsta X. Due to the lack of information, a person is more vulnerable to formulating scenarios with his/her own bias at the core of the scenarios imagined. Since every individual has different biases, it is inevitable that there would be disagreement on the course of action due to different beliefs on what is currently happening in the fandom.

Concern over supporting OT6 content or Wonho and its implications

Due to the current situation with Starship announcing and slowly removing Wonho from all the merchandise due to contract termination, MBBs are concerned over the implications of continued support of OT6 as this would be interpreted as it is okay for the Monbebes that Wonho is out of the group and Monsta X continues to move forward as a 6 member group.

On the other hand, it also implies that if MBBs do not support OT6 the MBBs are invalidating the efforts of the other 6 members. Thus, the fandom is in a state of division with regards to supporting OT6 products.

Difference in culture between International Monbebes and Korean Monbebes

Due to being known as global idols, it is not a secret that the international fanbase of Monsta X is big. Thus, it is inevitable that a culture clash might happen between the two prominent fanbases of Monsta X. Due to Monsta X essentially having two different main homebases, with them signing with Epic Records for their US Releases, and them being originally handled by Starship Entertainment for their Korean Activities, the fandom experienced a difference in culture between how they were handled mainly in these two regions.

The writer believes that this point should be factored in by MBBs when considering the course of action. The writer suggests that movements on these two homebases be of different approach. The writer suggests that these two prominent fanbasesshould operate on their own regionand should call the shots on the actions involving their respective homebases without neglecting close coordination between the otherareas.

In summary, The fandom must come up with a course of action that would support both remaining members and Wonho which would not compromise the members’ and Monsta X’s collective image whilst acknowledging the difference of cultures between IMBBs and KMBBs.

MONBEBES GOAL:

As per the given timeline, information after the “termination” of Wonho’s contract was the last instance any “official” statement was released through all the parties involved. There is an undeniable silence from all parties which made the fandom assume different scenarios that is currently happening internally. The silence has divided the fandom into different parties with their differing beliefs as to what is happening but despite all the arguments internal of the fandom, MBBs have one goal in common:

“To ensure that Mx will be able to perform as 7 members again in the future. To protect the mental, emotional and physical health of the members. To initiate change on the kpop industry’s treatment of idols and fight the injustice of the entire situation and to acknowledge that idols are also humans and should be protected according to their rights.”

RECOMMENDED COURSE OF ACTION (WRITER’S RECOMMENDATION):

INTRODUCTION:

Given the current situation, what would be the smartest and wisest course of action MBBs can do to achieve their goal and provide a solution to the stated problem above.

As of now, several passive activities are currently on-going to show the fandom’s support for both Mx and Wonho but are passive activities enough to sustain the fire of the fandom and to achieve the ultimate goal of Mobebes? Thus, a boycott was proposed by MBBs who believe that the fandom should be doing more for Monsta X and Wonho. The fandom was visibly divided some disagreed pointing out that a boycott will not bring Wonho back and would jeopardize the future of Monsta X. Some MBBs agreed as they think that MBBs are not showing to the agency that we strongly oppose Wonho’s removal/withdrawal from the group.

The active resistance published a document detailing the steps and the goal of the proposed boycott which raised some eyebrows inside the fandombecause for those who disagree with the boycott thinks that a boycott will nothelp with the reinstating Wonho to the group.

The writer have read the document thoroughly and acknowledges the points of both the active and the passive resistance groups and will attempt to recommend a course of action that would hopefully, appeal with both groups.

WILL THE BOYCOTT REALLY BRING HARM? Updated as of December 06, 2019

It has been said that the Active Resistance group published a thorough and detailed proposal for reference of the whole fandom and for the consideration of MBBs as it is a delicate issue. The writer of this paper has read and reviewed the proposal and has concluded that the boycott’s goal of reinstating the Wonho back to the group would not be achieved by doing the boycott. Thus, the writer has concluded thata boycott isunnecessary for that particular goal and would only bring emotional distress to the fandom as a whole and the other members of of Monsta X. (Note: The writer would update the document to include the reasons but some of the negative implications that would affect the group tremendously are stated below for the more detailed analysis, the writer would update the document in time)

But the question remains, WHAT CAN THE FANDOM DO TO MAKE A STAND AGAINST THE WITHDRAWAL OF WONHO FROM THE GROUP WITHOUT COMPROMISING THE REMAINING MEMBERS’ AND WONHO’S COLLECTIVE IMAGE WHILST ACKNOWLEDGING THE DIFFERENCES OF CULTURE B

UPDATED AS OF DECEMBER 06, 2019:

The initial recommendation of the writer is to do a strategic boycott which would demand a statement from Epic records and the fandom giving something in return. Due to the recent events, Eshy/Epic dropping a new English song which includes Wonho’s vocals in the song, the writer concludes that the boycott will induce more negative effects than a positive one.

Some of the negative effects would be/ but not limited to:

Eshy/Epic concluding that investing on Mx will be a loss and would just move on to another k-artist
As this is their first endeavor in the US, this would be Mx’s testing ground in the US and is a very critical move, a boycott will only hurt their reputation once Eshy/Epic decides that Mx would be a loss.

Due to the stated reasons, the writer suggests a STRATEGY THAT PUSHES FOR THE INCLUSION OF WONHO IN THE PROMOTIONS ASSURING OFF THE CHARTS SALES FOR THE ENGLISH ALBUM AND ATTENDANCE TO EVERY MONSTA X PROMOTIONS OF THE ENGLISH ALBUM AND OTHER ACTIVITIES.

The proposed strategy DOES NOT focus on the reinstatement of Wonho back as a member of a group but will mostly focus on the providing a means to help support MX and at the same time fight the injustice that happened to Wonho. It will mainly focus on the following points.

Maintaining a strong online and offline presence of the fandom to help Mx relevant
Emphasizing the fandom statement and uniting the fandom
Finding a middle ground between the two sides of the fandom
Clearing Wonho’s name through different fan activities.

Below is a diagram that shows illustrates the inference of the recommended course of action:

ASSUMPTIONS FOR THE MOVEMENT:

The writer assumes that the assurance of higher sales and sold out activities would appeal to Eshy/Epic/SSE.
The writer assumes that Wonho is under a legal case and won’t be able to leave the country which would prompt the decision to postpone the release and promotions of the album to February.
The writer assumes that there are different approaches when it comes to International VS Korean regions.

WHAT WILL THE PROPOSED STRATEGY WILL DO? UPDATED AS OF DECEMBER 06, 2019

It would instill the act of give and take between the label and the fandom and would be comprised of a set of activities that would have the following goal:

“To ensure that Wonho would be able to join promotional activities with the other members of Mx out of the borders of the Korea”

By assuring that we would make sure that the sales and tour activities of Mx outside the borders of Korea would be sold out and would high number of sales we are setting up a situation where Eshy /Epic would pressure SSE to allow Wonho in joining the promotional activities. Assuming Wonho won’t be reinstated as a member by the start of the promotional activities for the English Album

This will focus on the injustice of what happened to Wonho by stating in a professional manner how what happened was wrong in the context of the international scene by highlighting that conditions should be different outside the borders of Korea. This would hopefully, put the spotlight not only on Starship but also the kpop industry and would initiate change within the industry.

It presents a scenario that is realistically achievable for the agencies which has a higher possibility of consideration.

The goal will drive Epic/Eshy in a corner to consider the possibility of making more money by the fandom’s assurance and would prompt him/them to push for including Wonho in the album’s international promotions.

METHODOLOGY:

STEP 1: DEMAND STATEMENT

To address the silence of the involved parties, the fandom would be demanding a statement from SSE in order to have a clear view of the current situation of the Monsta X, SSE and Wonho. It is imperative that the demand statement should be a statement that both the active and the passive movement groups can get behind with.

The fandom would release an official statement of demands and promises as a fandom which we would submit not just to Eshy, but to SSE and media outlets for coverage as well. The writer suggests the following demands:

DEMANDS:

An official statement that Wonho would be a part of the promotional activities and other future activities of Mx outside the borders of Korea or a statement that would show the current situation of Wonho, SSE and Monsta X and give a statement to the fans on the future of Monsta X.
A demand for a proper management of the schedule and handling of the boys stating examples of inefficiencies and mismanagement.
Demand transparency from SSE on how they take care of their artists, especially Monsta X

PROMISES:

Assurance that the English Album sales would be high.
High to Sold out tour activities.

Aside from the demands and promises the statement would also include the premise or explanation as to why Wonho deserves to be included in the promotional activities of the other members as outside of the borders of Korea, technically, Wonho’s name is not marred.

STEP 2: FANDOM ORGANIZATION

In order to properly execute the movement, and to address the cultural differences between IMBB and KMBB it is imperative that the fandom be as organized as possible, for proper dissemination. The writer lists some ways/suggestions as to how the fandom can organize itself :

The writer recommends that big accounts and those who are already established fanbases would have streamlined communication method for wider range.
The writer recommends that the fanbases would release a list of “official accounts” that monbebes can refer to in order to know which news are official and which are not. This would hopefully, control the spread of fake news and the instill critical thinking on monbebes as this would prompt them not to believe anything they read from accounts that are not “verified”
The writer recommends that the fandom set-up a centralized network for all IMBBs.
The writer also recommends that the fandom agree on the proper internet etiquette to avoid misrepresentation in social media.
The writer also recommends that the fandom organize a fund that would support Mx in their future comebacks.

STEP 3: CONTINUED ONLINE AND OFFLINE PRESENCE

Continuous online and offline presence must be maintained in order to stay relevant and to promote positive PR for the group. These online and offline activities can be submitted to media outlets or MBBs can create their own blogs and/or articles to increase awareness and good PR.

CONCLUSION:

What has happened to the group and Wonho has undeniably brought pain and emotional toil to the individual members and the fandom. It is not only the withdrawal of Wonho that Monbebes are fighting for, but ultimately the injustice that happened and to stop it from happening from other groups as well. By fighting for Wonho’s rights, Monbebes are making a statement against a whole industry that has time and time again been relentless with their talents. (slave contracts, unreasonable demands from agencies etc.)[44] Through the proposed give and take movement, Monbebes would hopefully be successful in making a stand against this indecent treatment of idols and hopefully would bring about change and bring Wonho back to the group.

UPDATED AS OF DECEMER 06, 2019:

———————————————–end of the document———————————————

IT IS AN IMPERATIVE PART OF THE STRATEGY THAT WE AS A FANDOM WOULD BE ABLE TO RELEASE AN OFFICIAL STATEMENT TO THE PARTIES INVOLVE IN ORDER TO ENSURE A PROFESSIONAL STANCE ON THE MATTER.

[1] https://edition.cnn.com/2019/10/31/entertainment/wonho-leaves-monsta-x-trnd/index.html

[2] https://www.koreaboo.com/news/monsta-xs-wonho-trends-twitter-due-fans-opposing-withdrawal-group/

[3] https://twitter.com/wonho__/status/1189908879095656449?lang=en

[4] https://www.allkpop.com/article/2019/11/monsta-x-continues-hashtag-campaign-as-changeforwonho-trends-worldwide

[5] https://soundigest.com/2019/11/04/monsta-x-fans-raise-funds-for-billboard/

[6] https://twitter.com/i/status/1187793896958504961

[7] KMBBs-Monbebes from Korea

[8] IMBBs- international Monbebes- Monbebes from outside of Korea

[9] https://twitter.com/yookihyu/status/1188075690559717376

[10] https://www.soompi.com/article/1361690wpp/starship-entertainment-issues-apology-after-comments-made-at-monsta-x-fan-sign-garner-attention

[11] https://channels.vlive.tv/C7A6F1/vtoday/1.12113471

[12] https://www.allkpop.com/article/2019/10/former-reality-show-star-jung-da-eun-says-monsta-xs-wonho-owes-money; https://www.reddit.com/r/MonstaX/comments/dpy0mx/megathread_wonho_departs_monsta_x_following/