Stray Kids Face Backlash for Being on the Wrong Side of History
Stray Kids is facing backlash after attending a state event with French President Emmanuel Macron.
On April 3, KST, Stray Kids were the only K-pop group invited to a state luncheon at the Blue House. The event marked the 140th anniversary of diplomatic ties between South Korea and France. The members were seen interacting closely with high-profile politicians, including President Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron.
Fans quickly reacted online, especially French fans, criticizing Stray Kids for associating with the Macron couple. Many pointed to the President’s controversial views on women’s rights and Islamophobia as reasons for their disappointment.
and seeing them using our Kids to clear their disgusting reputation is a big ❝ no ❞ to me and shouldn’t be celebrated at any cost.
free my Stray Kids, genuinely. I’m so mad right now, seriously.
— fan,, SKZ Bubble (@0325bubble)
Others shared posts highlighting Brigitte Macron’s harsh comments about feminists and accused the Macron couple of Islamophobia.
macron is a raging islamophobe and his wife is a islamophobic pedophile. I would eliminate myself before I attend a meeting with him
— mary (@HUHFEATHOPE)
Some fans defended Stray Kids, saying the group was sent by their label and had no control over the situation.
they can’t even take pictures with other celebrities and you think they’re able to talk about politics?
their company has been censoring and controlling skz as well as using them as political propaganda since 2019 so maybe do some research before saying such ignorant statements
— dia (@d1ament_)
However, others argued that if idols can attend political events, they should also be able to speak out on important issues.
skz posing with those vile politicians dsn’t make them have the same opinions but it does make them look real shitty, they can’t speak up about politics but can have dinner with politicians and do these kinda events is very hypocritical, call them out wo picking nd choosing
— dibs (@dibsondiva)
“B-b-but kpop idols can’t speak about Palestine … its political”
— ً (@jihadbian)
what happened to k-pop isn’t political?? it sure looks like it is. groups can attend summits with racist presidents and politicians but can’t speak about a genocide
— 7th year: mary (@ItsSundayDriver)
Other fans expressed frustration that grown men in Stray Kids should be responsible for their actions, not just blame the company.
tired of skz being associated with horrible people. “but the company!” the company can’t be an excuse all the time these are grown ass men.
— ezra⁵ ⋆˙ ︎ (@str4yez)
Many also raised concerns about K-pop idols being used to whitewash politicians’ images.
twitter is the only place where well articulated sentences get misinterpreted.
you can say “idols shouldn’t be used as props at presidential events” and somebody will say “so you’re racist and think they should be ashamed of their country?”
no bitch that’s a whole new sentence
— ⌞oat⌝ (@irinocat)
These are the last posts of M4cr0n…. Proves my point and all french stays points btw when we say kpop idols are used to make us like these politicians
— Don ฅᐢ..ᐢ₎♡ (@lixboo96_)
The controversy continues as fans debate the role of K-pop idols in political events and their responsibility to speak out. Stray Kids’ appearance at the Blue House luncheon remains a hot topic among international fans.