New Girl Group Rookie Sparks Controversy Among Korean Men With Comment, Receives Backlash

Jiwoo of Hearts2Hearts is facing backlash after making a bold comment at a fansign.
The controversy began when a fan asked Jiwoo on October 29, 2025, what kind of men she should not date. Jiwoo replied:
“Men who have bad personalities, men who are ugly, and men who are petty.”
What escalated the drama was Jiwoo accidentally holding up her middle finger when saying “men who are ugly.”
The clip quickly went viral. Some fans found it funny, while many men on male-centered online forums like FM Korea got triggered and lashed out with harsh hate comments.
On FM Korea, netizens said things like:
“If a male idol said that, he’d be executed LOL.”
“She’s discouraging all the ugly men who are just trying to live life.”
“That’s just someone with no professionalism.”
“H2H was just starting to get known for their visuals, and now this? No chance to fix their image LOL.”

Meanwhile, K-pop fans are fiercely defending Jiwoo on communities like theqoo:
“But who actually likes ugly guys? Wasn’t she just stating the obvious..?”
“She didn’t say anything wrong, so why are they freaking out? Who likes ugly, petty guys anyway?”
“You go, Jiwoo! Looks like some men got offended LOL.”
“(((Protect Jiwoo)))”

Jiwoo’s comments sparked heated debate over what idols can say openly, especially at fansigns.
Here’s the video that started it all from Koreaboo’s coverage:
Fans remain in Jiwoo’s corner as male netizens continue to throw shade. The rookie idol is trending thanks to this unexpected reaction.
오늘자 소녀팬한테 못생긴 남자 만나지 말라고 당부하는 하츠투하츠 지우양…그리고 팩트폭력 얻어맞고 약맞는 바퀴벌레마냥 지랄발광하는 펨코한국남성분들 ^^ 이안이도 그렇고 요새 하투하 멤버들 개호감이네 지지하고 연대합니다 pic.twitter.com/LAseVOx4Au
— 반올 (@HeungrokCho) October 30, 2025