One anime is causing an uproar in the K-pop community. Made in Abyss has long been considered a controversial anime due to its sensitive content. However, the conversation about the anime based on Akihito Tsukashi's manga has been reignited after TXT member Soobin mentioned it during a live broadcast. Since then, more K-pop idols have been facing backlash for confirming that they have been watching Made in Abyss.
Last week, a viral incident involving K-pop boy group TXT's Soobin and RIIZE's Seunghan sparked controversy among fans. The issue arose from a leaked video snippet where Seunghan teased Soobin, leading to concerns as LE SSERAFIM’s Eunchae was unnecessarily brought into the situation. Seunghan criticized Soobin's skills, and in response, Soobin gestured with his foot. The incident surprised netizens, who were not accustomed to Soobin's involvement in such matters.
Upon further investigation, netizens delved into Soobin's older content, discovering an old Weverse livestream where he mentioned the anime Made in Abyss, receiving criticism for endorsing the controversial show. Meanwhile, other idols, including SEVENTEEN’s Woozi, WEi’s Yongha, and ATEEZ’s Mingi, faced backlash for similar mentions of the anime.
Why is Made in Abyss so controversial?
The controversy surrounding Made in Abyss stems from its unsettling content, portraying child characters in distressing situations. The anime has faced criticism for potentially inappropriate depictions, leading to concerns about its suitability for younger audiences. The anime's parental guide explicitly mentions dark themes, violence, and unsettling scenes involving children, contributing to the backlash against K-pop stars endorsing it.
The incident sheds light on the challenges faced by K-pop idols, who must balance personal interests with maintaining a public image. It raises questions about the intersection of K-pop and mature content and highlights the evolving nature of fandom expectations. The controversy underscores the complexities artists navigate in expressing individuality within the highly scrutinized K-pop industry, emphasizing the ongoing dialogue surrounding the endorsement of sensitive material by public figures.
Made in Abyss follows an orphaned girl named Riko, who finds and befriends a part-robot boy named Reg, and descends with him into the titular "Abyss" that leads deep into the Earth, in hopes of exploring it and finding her mother. The anime currently consists of two seasons. In January this year, the anime was renewed for a third season which would serve as a sequel to Made in Abyss: The Golden City of the Scorching Sun. For now, the third season of the anime has not yet been given an official release date.
