On July 14, HYBE announced that one of its upcoming global girl group SAINT SATINE members, Lexie, had decided to leave the group and the company. This sudden departure has reignited accusations surrounding fellow K-pop idol and KATSEYE member Manon's recent hiatus.
The situation is particularly complex as it involves two groups created by HYBE's founder, Hwang Hyun, who is known for his rigorous training programs and high expectations for his trainees. The three members of SAINT SATINE who were selected from the survival show The Debut: Dream Academy are well-known to the public, and Lexie's decision to leave has been met with wide support from netizens.
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Saint Satine's Lineup and Lexie's Departure
Lexie was one of the members selected for SAINT SATINE through another survival show, World Scout: The Final Piece. Her departure has sparked speculation that she may have been disappointed with the direction the group was taking. Many fans have jokingly referred to her as having 'played in HYBE's face' twice, given that she left Dream Academy midway through its run.
Katseye and Manon's Hiatus
The situation has also brought up comparisons with the response to KATSEYE member Manon's sudden hiatus. Some fans have raised concerns about racial microaggressions directed at Manon, who was called lazy or problematic by some netizens before her situation was fully understood.
Lexi leaves Saint Satine and the response is hope she's okay and wish her the best Manon went on hiatus and people instantly called her lazy, selfish, and not a team player before knowing the full story two members step away from their groups. Two completely different reactions
Industry Impact and Social Sentiment Analysis
The social media reaction to Lexie's departure has been varied, with some fans expressing support for her decision, while others have raised concerns about the treatment of Manon during his hiatus. The situation highlights the challenges faced by K-pop idols in dealing with intense public scrutiny and pressure from their management companies.