K-Pop Boy Group Clarifies “Idol Star Athletics Championships” Outcast Rumors

A K-Pop boy group revealed the truth behind the Idol Star Athletics Championships outcast rumors and shared behind-the-scenes stories from that time.

On July 10th, the YouTube channel ZIP DAESUNG released a video featuring B1A4’s CNU, Sandeul, and Gongchan, as they celebrate their 15th debut anniversary and disclosed untold stories from their activities.

In the video, BIGBANG‘s Daesung asked, “Did you get along with your peers from other groups back then?” The members unanimously replied, “Actually, it wasn’t easy to become close.” The unexpected reason was related to their cell phones.

Sandeul revealed, “For three years after our debut, we didn’t have cell phones. We actually had phones during trainee days, but we handed them in when we debuted,” surprising everyone. Daesung was also amazed, saying, “Usually, phones are taken away during trainee days and returned upon debut.”

Gongchan laughed and said, “Looking back now, it was a bit like gaslighting.” CNU recalled, “The company kept telling us, ‘Teams that do well don’t have phones for several years. You need to focus on activities.’ That stayed in our minds, so we naturally gave up our phones.”

The company promised, “Phones will be returned if you win first place on music shows.” However, the promise was not kept. B1A4 won first place with their hit song “What’s Happening,” but their phones were not returned.

CNU said, “Even after winning first place, they told us to be more careful.” Sandeul confessed, “We only got our phones back about three years after debut, after strongly resisting the company.”

The conversation naturally shifted to the Idol Star Athletics Championships outcast rumors that once stirred online. Daesung reacted, “So that’s why those outcast rumors existed back then.” CNU explained, “That period was when we didn’t have phones. There was almost no way to contact or get close with other idols.” Sandeul also admitted, “I think that affected things to some extent.”

Currently, the three have established B1A4 Company and are actively working under it. Daesung asked, “What will you do about phones when you train new trainees?” CNU answered, “Strict rules should be followed during training.”

When asked if they would ease restrictions after debut, he replied, “You need to be more careful after debut,” making everyone burst out laughing. Gongchan agreed, saying, “Definitely.” Daesung ended with a laugh, “Isn’t this passing down bad habits?”

Meanwhile, to celebrate their 15th debut anniversary, B1A4 will hold a solo concert at Seoul KBS Arena from July 31 to August 2, where they will spend a special time with their fans.