The Controversial Anime That Got K-Pop Idols Into Trouble
TXT’s Soobin, SEVENTEEN’s Woozi, and NCT’s Taeyong are facing backlash for watching and recommending the anime Made In Abyss.
The controversy began after fans spotted the idols enjoying this dark fantasy series. On the surface, Made In Abyss follows a young girl named Riko exploring a dangerous chasm searching for her mother.
But the story takes a twisted turn with graphic violence — especially involving children. Scenes include child abuse, brutal punishment, and disturbing body horror.
One shocking moment shows Riko strung up naked and beaten by an orphanage head. Another shows her experimenting on a robot by inserting a stick in his anus. Episode 10 features Riko seriously injured and helpless, needing medicine administered as a suppository.
| *Amazon Prime Video*
The anime is available on Amazon Prime and Crunchyroll with a TV-14 rating, despite the graphic content. South Korean versions are reportedly heavily edited but still include some grim scenes.
The author, Akihito Tsukushi, is also facing scrutiny. Many accuse him of being a lolicon, pointing at his habits like keeping a child’s school uniform and smelling a stuffed toy of one of his characters daily.
He loves describing all of Nanachi different body parts smell. It’s also been proven that he regularly smells his Nanachi plushies. So let’s call him what he is a pedophile
— Mochi (@garden_mane) November 19, 2023
Fans are shocked not just by the story but by the author’s behavior. One wrote they hope the manga finishes before Tsukushi is “ultimately sentenced to jail time for pedophilia.”
Comment by u/GeicoLizardBestGirl:
“I hope he can finish the manga before he goes to jail.”
The manga and anime differ. Some South Korean releases include extra artwork considered sexualized, even if the nudity is not meant to be erotic.
Comment by u/nick__furry:
“The nudity isn’t meant to be sexual but the extras definitely feel that way.”
The first season climax features horrifying body transformations and forced experiments on children. The robot Reg sacrifices a friend who loses their mind and form.
Idols didn’t respond to the controversy. The anime’s mix of child abuse, graphic violence, and its problematic creator is fueling heated debate among fans.