A video clip featuring top male K-pop idols has gone viral across Asia, reigniting heated discussion about gender dynamics in entertainment just hours after a controversial incident at the TikTok Awards Thailand 2025.
The storm began when photos emerged showing the girl group FELIZZ, dressed in dresses and high heels, being instructed to kneel on the black carpet for a group photo, while male celebrities from the same company, GMMTV, stood upright in the center. Despite the visible discomfort of the female idols, the male stars remained motionless, failing to intervene or assist.
In contrast, a clip from the Hanteo Music Awards in Korea resurfaced online, drawing widespread praise. In the video, members of ZEROBASEONE quickly noticed girl group tripleS awkwardly kneeling to pose during a stage segment. Rather than standing still, ZEROBASEONE members whispered among themselves, coordinated, and immediately stepped forward to offer their spots. Their respectful and proactive gesture helped the tripleS members avoid an uncomfortable and unnecessary kneeling situation in front of the audience.
The side-by-side comparison of how male idols responded in Thailand versus Korea ignited fierce debate online. Many praised ZEROBASEONE’s thoughtful behavior as an example of true professionalism and respect, while slamming GMMTV’s male celebrities for their passivity and lack of empathy toward their female peers.
Social media exploded with criticism toward GMMTV, accusing the company of promoting outdated and degrading gender roles. Netizens flooded the personal accounts of the male actors who were present, accusing them of being complicit by staying silent as their female colleagues were made to kneel publicly.
In response to the mounting backlash, GMMTV attempted damage control by sharing a new photo showing FELIZZ standing alongside male artists. However, this only fueled further outrage after fans pointed out that the six female idols were still relegated to the edge of the frame effectively treated as background props to a male-centered photo.
What began as a seemingly simple award show photo op has now evolved into a full-blown cultural critique, highlighting the glaring differences in how male celebrities engage or fail to engage when their female colleagues face demeaning situations.
Sources: K14
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