In the ever-evolving landscape of K-Pop, the unveiling of a group’s official lightstick is a momentous occasion.
For WEEEKLY, a fourth-generation girl group often touted as underrated, this milestone turned into a heated controversy as their new lightstick design sparked disappointment and outrage among fans.
WEEEKLY Faces Criticism for ‘Weverse-Like’ Lightstick Design, Controversy Erupts Over ‘Plain’ Design
On November 14 (KST), the group’s official X account released the design, revealing a sleek white lightstick with a glitter dome featuring the group’s initial, the letter “W.”
While such releases usually generate excitement and celebration, this one took an unexpected turn.
The controversy ignited on the Korean forum theqoo, where fans quickly drew parallels between WEEEKLY’s design and what some dubbed a “Weverse Lightstick.”
The criticism, however, transcended borders, reaching global audiences as the news spread online.
Netizens expressed their dismay, with many echoing sentiments of waiting three long years for a lightstick, only to be met with what they deemed a plain and uninspired design.
downgraded for sure. never been so boring like that hm https://t.co/AtHrvcmlVz
— 인탄 (@cutesy_panda) November 14, 2023
like i dont know how ist manages to keep finding new ways to DISAPPOINT me like its impressive at this point… https://t.co/LBvN4nimng
— 𝒍𝒚𝒏𝒏 🛵 VROoM VROoM (@itsapinkweeek) November 14, 2023
you mean weverse lightstick 😭 https://t.co/KUoY7zyRkd pic.twitter.com/hBQ4H0Ces9
— hea weeekly cb! (@starsoojn) November 14, 2023
did they design this with their butt https://t.co/9bddltwmZL
— luc (@nakyist) November 14, 2023
The disappointment was not solely confined to Korea, as international fans also voiced their concerns and frustration.
Read on their comments below:
- “We do” how bout we RE DO”
- “When you wait 3 years for this design”
- “weverse lightstick or weeekly lightstick?”
- “finally, but why the design is sooooooo basic?”
- “The creative team must have put in lots of time in this design… like 2 mins?”
- “it doesn’t even have an ounce of creativity and originality. Why IST always do this to Weeekly? If you do not want to pay for designer, just ask for daileee’s design for god sake..”
- “This is the laziest design I ever seen for a lightstick, all IST lightstick are well designed and when it’s Weeekly’s one do you do the most generic Lightstick ever?”
- “Should have more identity sorry but it doesnt screem weeekly. Add some custom things like stickers, a tie like from schollar uniforms, and 7 bright colors in some place”
WEEEKLY Lightstick Backlash Intensifies: Fans Compare Designs, Express Frustration
Comparisons to lightstick designs of other groups, such as VICTON, APINK, and THE BOYZ, further fueled the discontent.
Fans contended that WEEEKLY received the short end of the stick, as their lightstick lacked the vibrant colors, intricate designs, and member identity representation seen in those of their peers.
While some attempted to find a silver lining, viewing the basic design as a canvas for customization, the prevailing sentiment was one of anger and frustration.
Fans emphasized the symbolic importance of lightsticks in K-Pop culture, considering them a representation of the group and fandom’s unique connection.
The controversy surrounding WEEEKLY’s lightstick design highlights the delicate balance artists must strike in creating merchandise that resonates with fans.
As the K-Pop community continues to grow, so does the scrutiny, with fans expecting not just a lightstick but a tangible representation of the respect and thought invested in their beloved groups.