K-Pop group LNGSHOT faces protest trucks over label’s controversial promotions weeks after debut

At the broadcast, the female trainees unexpectedly appeared on stage as backup dancers for LNGSHOT’s performance.

• LNGSHOT criticized for featuring female trainees in video and live performance.
• Chinese fan clubs sent protest trucks to agency over LNGSHOT promotion
• Group members apologized following fans' negative reaction to trainees' live show.

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A newly debuted K-pop rookie group has found itself at the centre of controversy just weeks into its career. LNGSHOT, a rookie boy group created by Jay Park, has gone viral after protest trucks were sent to their agency less than a month after their official debut. The trucks were reportedly organised by Chinese fan clubs, who expressed anger over how the group is being used to promote the label’s upcoming female trainees

The backlash stems from the agency’s decision to feature the female trainees, who are scheduled to debut later this year, in LNGSHOT’s B-side track music video, where they performed paired choreography alongside the group members. While the appearance initially sparked debate, tensions escalated further during a recent music show recording.

아니 롱샷 페탐 뮤비 여주들이랑 페어댄스 뭐임 제발 하 지 마 pic.twitter.com/MZMFNYPSvc

— 밥 (@forlng25) January 27, 2026

At the broadcast, the female trainees unexpectedly appeared on stage as backup dancers for LNGSHOT’s performance. The move triggered immediate backlash from fans, prompting the group members to issue apologies after witnessing the negative response firsthand.

Messages displayed on the protest trucks were direct and highly critical of the agency’s strategy. One message read, “LNGSHOT is not a promotional method. Stop using them to promote other trainees and focus on their careers. Fans’ wallets are not ATMs for junior artists.” Another stated, “Throw away the excuse of trying to break the standards of boy groups. Don’t test the patience of fans!”

A particularly strong message laid out what fans described as the agency’s “two choices”: “You only have two options: 1. If being a rapper is your dream, then do whatever you want with those you keep close. 2. If you want to make money with idols, then know your boundaries.”

While some Korean fans initially attempted to overlook the trainees’ appearance in the music video, many said the live broadcast stage crossed a line, especially given how early LNGSHOT is in their career.

Netizens commented, “At first I thought the messages on the trucks were a bit too much, but after watching the video, I can understand where they are coming from,” while another wrote, “They deserve to get the protest trucks… why would you promote other trainees using a group that just debuted?”

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Others pointed directly at leadership, saying, “Seeing that Jay Park is the CEO, I can totally see why they filmed it like that.” Another comment added, “They were gaining a good image, but why would they do something to tarnish their reputation from the start?”

As discussions continue, many fans are calling on the label to prioritise the group’s growth rather than using them as a platform for future debuts.