K-pop Idols Stir Controversy as Needles are Discovered in Performance Costumes on Chinese Social Media Platform Weibo

In recent news, two K-pop idols have made headlines after discovering needles in their performance costumes, causing a stir on Chinese social media platform Weibo. Liu Zhiqin and Liu Zhimin, both members of the popular girl group Aespa, found needles in their song performance dress and song today respectively.

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13 November 2023

The discovery of the needles has sparked outrage among netizens, with many expressing concern over the safety of the performers. The needle's location on Liu Zhiqin's body was particularly conspicuous, leading some to speculate that she might have intentionally included it in her performance for publicity purposes. However, others were more sympathetic and pointed out that finding a needle during a live show must be a traumatic experience.

While some netizens focused on the safety issues and called for improved checks on performer's costumes before performances, others used the incident to voice their criticism of the company's handling of the situation. One user @aespa @SMTOWN tweeted that Liu Zhimin should not just focus on beauty and grades but also address various other issues such as uneven shoes during concerts, pins left on costumes, stolen makeup and styles, and unfair treatment.

However, some netizens went beyond criticism and resorted to inflammatory remarks, accusing the idols of intentionally including needles in their performance for attention. These users @RZ suggested that Liu Zhimin should go on stage and perform in front of them if they believe she directed and starred in her own situation.

The issue has sparked a heated debate among netizens, with some expressing concern over the idols' safety and calling for better checks before performances, while others criticizing the company's handling of the incident and accusing Liu Zhimin of self-directed play. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of performer safety in high-pressure live shows and the potential risks that come with it.