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On December 1, FANTAGIO, the management agency for ASTRO, made an unexpected announcement that stirred a debate within the K-pop community. The revelation came through Cha Eun woo’s newly established individual X (Twitter) account, where it was disclosed that the ASTRO member would be initiating the recruitment for his own official fan club.
The decision to create a separate fan club for Cha Eun woo, while ASTRO remains an active group with an established fan base named AROHA, has ignited discussions and varying opinions among fans. Korean enthusiasts have taken to social media platforms and online communities, such as theqoo, to express their thoughts on the matter.
Critics argue that the move appears divisive, potentially straining the unity within the existing ASTRO fandom. Some fans express concerns about the need for Cha Eun woo to attract new fans for his solo activities, speculating, “Well, Cha Eun woo needs new fans because he’s going to keep being active. But perhaps FANTAGIO thought it’s too soon to recruit group fans because of what happened to Moonbin. I’d assume that’s the reason Cha Eun woo is taking his own fans?” Others question the decision, emphasizing, “But ASTRO didn’t disband. How come he’s collecting his own fans?” The situation leaves some fans feeling upset, as one commenter exclaims, “This f*cking baffles me. It makes me so upset”.
Criticism extends to FANTAGIO’s handling of the announcement, with fans suggesting a more coordinated approach. One fan argues, “FANTAGIO should have announced recruitments for all members. And it shouldn’t have been shared outside the member’s individual social media account. We can’t stop members from going individual and doing solo promotions. But we’d appreciate a smoother process”. The use of the group’s fandom name for Cha Eun woo’s fan club and the group account’s retweeting of the announcement also draw disapproval: “I get it, but using the group’s fandom name for his own fan club isn’t a good look. The group account having re-tweeted it also doesn’t make sense”.
Amid the criticism, international fans, including many supporters of both ASTRO and Cha Eun woo, have expressed enthusiasm for the new fan club, viewing it as a positive step for the idol’s solo career.
Some argue, “Let him do what he wants. I’m sure he talked it over with his teammates and his management”. They highlight that Cha Eun woo had already announced his intention to engage in solo promotions: “It’s not like he didn’t announce that he’ll be doing a lot of solo promotions. What’s the issue? Besides, Cha Eun woo is popular enough on his own that he would have a lot of new fans wanting to be a part of his individual fan club”.
Others call for a more positive perspective, urging fellow fans to be supportive and downplaying the significance of the situation: “Can’t we all be supportive instead? Come on, this is not a big deal. It’s a fan club. Stop nitpicking on celebs for things like this. Like, be for real”. Another fan, aware of the prior announcement, accepts the decision, stating, “But he did announce that he’ll pursue solo promotions. We had it coming. I’m going to support his decision”.
FANTAGIO, responding to the intense reactions, has assured fans that more details regarding the situation will be provided, leaving both AROHAs and those excited about Cha Eun woo’s solo endeavors awaiting further clarification from the management agency.
The decision to create a separate fan club for Cha Eun woo, while ASTRO remains an active group with an established fan base named AROHA, has ignited discussions and varying opinions among fans. Korean enthusiasts have taken to social media platforms and online communities, such as theqoo, to express their thoughts on the matter.
Critics argue that the move appears divisive, potentially straining the unity within the existing ASTRO fandom. Some fans express concerns about the need for Cha Eun woo to attract new fans for his solo activities, speculating, “Well, Cha Eun woo needs new fans because he’s going to keep being active. But perhaps FANTAGIO thought it’s too soon to recruit group fans because of what happened to Moonbin. I’d assume that’s the reason Cha Eun woo is taking his own fans?” Others question the decision, emphasizing, “But ASTRO didn’t disband. How come he’s collecting his own fans?” The situation leaves some fans feeling upset, as one commenter exclaims, “This f*cking baffles me. It makes me so upset”.
Criticism extends to FANTAGIO’s handling of the announcement, with fans suggesting a more coordinated approach. One fan argues, “FANTAGIO should have announced recruitments for all members. And it shouldn’t have been shared outside the member’s individual social media account. We can’t stop members from going individual and doing solo promotions. But we’d appreciate a smoother process”. The use of the group’s fandom name for Cha Eun woo’s fan club and the group account’s retweeting of the announcement also draw disapproval: “I get it, but using the group’s fandom name for his own fan club isn’t a good look. The group account having re-tweeted it also doesn’t make sense”.
Amid the criticism, international fans, including many supporters of both ASTRO and Cha Eun woo, have expressed enthusiasm for the new fan club, viewing it as a positive step for the idol’s solo career.
Some argue, “Let him do what he wants. I’m sure he talked it over with his teammates and his management”. They highlight that Cha Eun woo had already announced his intention to engage in solo promotions: “It’s not like he didn’t announce that he’ll be doing a lot of solo promotions. What’s the issue? Besides, Cha Eun woo is popular enough on his own that he would have a lot of new fans wanting to be a part of his individual fan club”.
Others call for a more positive perspective, urging fellow fans to be supportive and downplaying the significance of the situation: “Can’t we all be supportive instead? Come on, this is not a big deal. It’s a fan club. Stop nitpicking on celebs for things like this. Like, be for real”. Another fan, aware of the prior announcement, accepts the decision, stating, “But he did announce that he’ll pursue solo promotions. We had it coming. I’m going to support his decision”.
FANTAGIO, responding to the intense reactions, has assured fans that more details regarding the situation will be provided, leaving both AROHAs and those excited about Cha Eun woo’s solo endeavors awaiting further clarification from the management agency.
