BLACKPINK Creative Director’s New Girl Group Receives Backlash From Netizens

K-netizens are not impressed.

Cosmosy is an upcoming girl group formed by the creative director of BLACKPINK, aespa, IVE, and more groups at the time of their debut.

| @cosmosy_ig/Instagram

The Japanese group features 4 members and is set to debut on December 31.

However, netizens are anticipating this group as the creative director led the debut of many loved K-Pop artists.

Expectations are high for this project as it brings together global creators who have worked for many K-POP stars, including the creative director who led the debut of BLACKPINK, LE SSERAFIM, Red Velvet, IVE, IU, Aespa, and TXT.

An official from Docomo Studio & Live Music IP Division commented on Cosmosy’s global potential due to their creative director and other factors.

By collaborating with artists who represent K-POP and creators who have sent great works to the world, we will bring our first global girl group to the world. Please look forward to seeing what growth potential Cosmosy will have in the global market.

| @cosmosy_ig/Instagram

However, Korean netizens had mixed reactions to the group: Some felt they were piggybacking on various K-Pop groups’ concepts while not living up to the standard of quality.

• “They came down criticizing it for being overly Japan-inspired, and it turns out they’re a Japanese group.”
• “Ah, I’m not buying this.”
• “So it’s a Japanese group? No wonder I thought it was so Japanese.”
• “I was like, ‘Why is there Japanese?’ and it turns out it’s a Japanese group.”
• “I’m a total otaku too, but what’s with this overdose of Japan worship?”
• “Can’t they make idols without riding on K-pop’s coattails?”
• “It feels like Evangelion.”
• “It’s like a downgraded version of aespa and IVE.”
• “Wow, I was shocked after watching the video at the end. The quality… It’s worse than something high schoolers would make;;” Docomo probably has a lot of money, so what happened to the quality?”
• “They’re Japanese, aren’t they? The Japanese vibe is so strong.”
• “It kind of reminds me of NewJeans.”

| theqoo

Many also rejected the idea of a Japanese group promoting in Korea.

• “They’ve mashed together a ton of IVE and aespa’s stuff, lol.”
• “I thought the name sounded Japanese, and it turns out they’re all Japanese? Just stay active in Japan. Our country is so eager to help Japan out; it’s ridiculous.”
• “I had a feeling it was Japanese, and it turns out it really is.”
• “Japanese groups aren’t my thing…”
• “Why are we doing them such a favor? Just stick to using Korean.”
• “People who love Japanese aesthetics will go nuts for this.”
• “There are too many girl groups coming out; it’s getting tiresome.”
• “It has a Japanese vibe.”
• “The concept is good, but why so much Japanese? Oh, turns out they’re just a Japanese group.”
• But why debut on 12/31? If they debuted just a week later, it would be a different debut year.”
• “XG was made the same way—stealing K-pop talent and methods, lol. Whatever… Nobody cares here anyway. Just go make a lot of money in Japan.”

| theqoo

Watch the group’s trailer below.