Fans of IVE are showing dissatisfaction at MMA due to an alleged “discrimination” action between members
On December 12, the 2023 MelOn Music Awards (hereinafter referred to as 2023 MMA) was held with an outstanding artist lineup, including representative 4th gen girl group IVE. Despite IVE receiving various awards at this awards ceremony, however, fans of the group have been showing dissatisfaction.
In particular, when IVE’s Leeseo chose to sit in the front row of the artist section, a staff member of MMA quickly rushed out and told her to move to the back. Then, the staff moved IVE’s Ahn Yujin to the first row and sat her next to Jang Wonyoung.
자리 바꿔앉는것도..🫶#아이브 #IVE #안유진 pic.twitter.com/b2kNTSOLSz
— 댕댕상 (@dangdang030901) December 2, 2023
This action of MMA roused a lot of questions, as Leeseo and Ahn Yujin were in the same group, and so the position of their seats shouldn’t matter.
As a result, fans suspected that MMA discriminated between IVE members. The organizers likely wanted to put Ahn Yujin and Jang Wonyoung in the front row since they are the most popular member, having gained huge popularity even before IVE as former IZ*ONE members.
The alleged “discriminatory” action has thus been highly criticized by fans.
Lee Youngji performing BSS “Fighting” at MMA 2023 with the guests (NCT DREAM, IVE, NEWJEANS, etc.) 😭😭😭 #도겸 #부석순 pic.twitter.com/3fLPe4U4M6
— daily dokyeom comfort (@dailydkcomfort) December 2, 2023
However, many people have argued against this “discrimination” accusation. According to them, Ahn Yujin had to be seated in the front since she needed to interact with Lee Young-ji, another performing artist.
In particular, during her set, Lee Young-ji mentioned Ahn Yujin – who she’s close with, and came down to the artist section to interact with the latter. Thus, Ahn Yujin’s front-row seat may be necessary so that she can interact with Lee Young-ji freely.
Source: K Crush