SEVENTEEN Mingyu’s Phone Wallpaper Sparks Debate Among Netizens Over Toxic Masculinity
SEVENTEEN’s Mingyu is facing backlash after fans noticed his phone lock screen at BVLGARI’s Studio Global Event in Seoul.
The controversy began when Mingyu was spotted interacting with BLACKPINK’s Lisa during the star-studded event. Sharp-eyed fans zoomed in and saw Mingyu’s phone lock screen, which featured a photo of bodybuilder and five-time Mr. Olympia Classic Physique Champion Chris Bumstead.
Chris Bumstead is well-known in the bodybuilding world for being humble and down-to-earth. However, some fans reacted negatively, calling Mingyu’s lock screen “weird” and “embarrassing.” The criticism stems from bodybuilding’s sometimes controversial “hypermasculine” image, linked to figures like Andrew Tate.
“this is giving me the ick ” — @7pcys
“no wonder she was laughing everytime she saw him this MAD embarrassing” — @nwjnshighschool
Soon after, other fans defended Mingyu, pointing out that he is a gym enthusiast and it’s natural for him to admire a bodybuilder. They also called out the negativity as hypocritical, noting many K-pop fans have idols or photocards as their phone wallpapers.
“not even a month ago mingyu talked about how he removed the hat and carats printed his pics out and teased. we all tweeted about how uncomfortable he must’ve felt but you guys are again taking this joke too far. atp he’ll be self-conscious all the time.” — @Stutiyoon
“You all are such weirdos for firstly zooming in on his lock screen to find what the wallpaper is?! Some ppl are doing too much in the qrts as if you all don’t have your idols as your wallpapers too.” — @I_heart_svt
“kpop stans who have photocards on the backs of their phones and random idols as their lock screen while walking around with their “subtle” kpop merch acting like mingyu having the image of someone HE admires as his lock screen is weird is so fucking stupid. he’s just like y’all.” — @millie102685
As the situation unfolded, fans remain divided over the lock screen choice, but many support Mingyu’s personal taste and gym passion. The incident highlights how even small details from idols’ lives can spark heated online debates.