Red Velvet Irene’s New Photoshoot Sparks Harsh Backlash
Irene is facing backlash over her latest UNICEF Korea campaign pictorial for Marie Claire Korea.
The SM Entertainment star joined fellow artists like Doyoung, Minho, Suho, Yuri, Jaemin, and Carmen for the “UNICEF Team” project. It celebrates a decade of UNICEF Korea’s work supporting children affected by war and disasters.
Irene’s photoshoot dropped in the October issue and quickly caught attention online.
Fans and netizens shared these shots praising the campaign’s message of hope through music. Supporters who sign up for recurring donations even get a “Pink Blood” bracelet.
IRENE FOR UNICEF KOREA pic.twitter.com/9N5cDaYHY1
— Elle 𓆩𓆪 (@chobomseulrene) September 20, 2025
But the shine faded fast.
A Pann post showing her UNICEF photos got over 20,000 views — and the comment section flipped. Many questioned her sincerity, accusing the campaign of being an image scrub.
“LOL this is seriously hilarious. Does UNICEF even suit her? Of all people, they chose her…”
“Image laundering?”
“If you donate to UNICEF, it feels like the money won’t go to the kids but will just get poured into hiring ad models. I’m never donating to them… not now, not ever in my life.”
“A power-trip abuser being the face of UNICEF? LOL.”
“Irene was already the one in Red Velvet who donated the most, but people are calling it image laundering, LOL. Go criticize Choi Siwon instead.”
The controversy began right after the release of the photoshoot. Fans acknowledged Irene’s history of charitable donations but were split on whether this campaign was genuine or just clean-up PR.
Irene with UNICEF Korea for Marie Claire Korea’s October Issue #IRENE #아이린 #RedVelvet @RVsmtown pic.twitter.com/N2Knekalg8
— Irene 아이린 Global (@irene_global) September 22, 2025
SM’s UNICEF campaign also features other idols, highlighting solidarity but all eyes remain on Irene amid the mixed reactions.
The “Pink Blood” donation campaign encourages fans to contribute while wearing symbolic bracelets. Despite the negativity, Irene remains part of this high-profile charity effort.
Monitoring the situation as fans continue to debate the genuine impact vs. image questions surrounding Irene’s UNICEF involvement.