On December 9, a topic titled “QWER’s viral marketing tactic is so yuck” was published on the Korean forum Pann Nate, attracting over 110,000 views.
The topic attached various headlines and topics published on Korean media outlets and online platforms, all of which comparing aespa’s Karina with QWER member Chodan.
In particular, some of the headlines include, “Karina and Chodan’s two shot video”, “Who won between Karina VS Chodan..?”, “Chodan survived next to Karina”, and so on.
“They have been posting topics like these on every forum, and even YouTube and Instagram are filled with videos comparing the two of them”, the topic’s author also said, adding, “They are trying to dismiss Karina in order to push their member through negative virality”.
Additionally, the topic also compiled various copy-and-paste comments insulting Karina and her fandom, at the same time inserting Chodan into the content and calling the latter a younger and perfect counterpart of Karina.
Netizens who saw the topic mostly express agreement, criticizing QWER for their foul marketing. Below are some comments from netizens:
- The fact that Karina is being compared to that camgirl is rude as hell to Karina
- It’s obvious viral marketing to increase mentions for Chodan. Ugh, QWER’s agency is so dirty-handed
- They consistently use this foul marketing since their debut LOL
- Is this company burning 1.4 billion on this type of marketing?
- The way they exploit Karina’s fame is f*cking gross
