“Are fans seen as easy targets?”
During the recent release of K-pop girl group IVE‘s new album Switch, eager fans encountered an unfortunate mishap. On May 4, 2024, fans flocked to WithMuu for physical album purchases and photocards trading, only to have their cards ruined unexpectedly.
Fans displayed their photocards on a stone bench outside the retailer’s location.
What caught them off guard was the sudden activation of a nearby fountain, soaking the collectible cards.
As per witness accounts, the fans were trading their photocards when the fountain erupted without prior notice, causing damage to the cards and dampening spirits.
아이브 위드뮤 분수사건
교환하는데 갑자기 분수나와서 다 젖어버린 사건이다 ㅅㅂ pic.twitter.com/dkWd49pW81
— 리시 (@loveive_Lisi) May 4, 2024
While the community was baffled by the choice of a fountain for the card exchange, they learned that it was an arrangement made by WithMuu. Retailers usually set up spaces for trade activities during significant launches to avoid disrupting store operations and the adjacent area. The retailer’s decision this time, however, resulted in a loss for the collectors.
Upon addressing the issue to WithMuu, fans claimed to have been “dismissed.”
위드뮤 지금 우리말 무시중 pic.twitter.com/OA9o4QQLvA
— 리시 (@loveive_Lisi) May 4, 2024
Online discussions among netizens reflect their outrage for the mishandling.
- Can fans be considered as such easy marks?
- Did WithMuu take such actions believing IVE’s fans would not retaliate or take legal action?
- I’m curious, wasn’t there room inside the store? Why ask people to gather outside?
- Why were fans instructed to meet at the fountain of all places?
- I thought fans chose the spot out of their own volition, but it was actually designated by WithMuu. This is WithMuu’s fault.
- WithMuu should be held accountable for this.
- The fans deserve compensation for the damage.
- That was unexpected!
As of now, WithMuu has yet to make a statement on the incident.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were IVE’s fans exchanging photocards at a fountain?
The location for the photocards exchange was set by WithMuu, the retailer, as part of their arrangement for the album launch day.
Has WithMuu responded to the incident?
No official response or statement from WithMuu has been given regarding the fountain incident as of the last update.
Are there any plans for compensating the fans?
There has been no mention of compensation for fans from WithMuu at this time.
Conclusion
The incident has left many IVE fans disheartened, questioning the responsibility of retailers in organizing secure and well-thought-out spaces for album launch events. The neglect by WithMuu not only caused tangible harm to the fans’ collectibles but also highlighted the need for better communication and care for the fan community. The outcry for a proper response from WithMuu continues as the situation unfolds.