Fifth-Gen Idol Goes Off With Unfiltered Political Opinion, Invites Scathing Response

A popular fifth-generation girl group member has sparked fierce reactions online with the loud and proud proclamation of her political beliefs.

The idol in question is Xinyu from the rising K-Pop girl group, tripleS.

Xinyu | @triplescosmos/Instagram

Recently, a few screenshots of Xinyu’s interaction with fans have gone viral on Korean forums, where the idol was seen assertively sharing her political beliefs regarding her home country, China. In a series of messages sent to fans, Xinyu remarked that Macau, Taiwan, and Hong Kong were all part of China.

| Instiz

It’s not about being rigorous.

Macau has always been a part of China.

Hong Kong and Taiwan as well.

— Xinyu in the messages above

When fans tried to warn the idol to be careful with her comments about such sensitive geopolitical issues, Xinyu firmly stood by her stance, telling people to stop interacting with her on the fan platform if they disagreed.

| Instiz

Why would I be reprimanded?

Did I say something wrong?

If you don’t agree with me, don’t subscribe to my Fromm.

— Xinyu in the messages above

The political opinion expressed by Xinyu is popularly known as the “One China” principle, which stipulates that the People’s Republic of China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau constitute a single, unified, and sovereign state called China, with the People’s Republic of China being its sole legitimate government. However, many individuals who live in Macau, Hong Kong, and Taiwan do not agree with this stance.

Korean netizens have been left jarred by Xinyu’s inflammatory remarks. While some opposed the very ideology she expressed her support for, others were concerned with the fact that she was voicing controversial political opinions publicly as an idol, going against the usual conduct expected of K-Pop stars.

| Instiz

• “It’s one thing to think that privately, no one would care—but publicly writing it like that in a place everyone can see is absurd.”

| Instiz

• “I guess we might start seeing idols who speak out openly like that.”
• “Go to China.”
• “Who do you think you are…? This is exactly why Chinese idols are a no-go. Please, just be idols in your own country and stop trying to force your way into Korea.”

| Instiz

• “I heard that the group has a Taiwanese member too…”