Ningning (Ning Yizhuo) has built a massive fanbase but has also attracted persistent antis since the start of her career as the only Chinese member of K-pop group aespa. Today, she trended on Chinese social media after directly tagging two anti-fans to call them out for their behavior. The incident marked a rare time that the 23-year-old idol has personally responded to online harassment as this time, it had involved her family.
Ningning tagged two Weibo users and wrote, “”You have been verbally attacking my fans and my family for a long time. I know it’s not just the two of you, and I know many of you are still young. So I want to tell you: I hope young people can use the internet in a healthy and responsible way. But if I see similar posts again, prepare to be sued.” Apparently one of them used her mother’s photo as a profile picture and added taunting words.
Before making a public statement, Ningning reportedly left a comment first to no avail. “Change your profile picture right now. Using someone else’s family as a joke is really disrespectful. If you want to be sued, just say so,” she said.
Following her post, one account issued an apology, claiming that they had acted recklessly due to their young age and would reflect on their actions. However, many questioned the person’s sincerity as the apology was written in Korean despite Ningning being Chinese. Meanwhile, the other account accused Ningning of having “double standards.” Nevertheless, both accounts, which have quite a following, have now been permanently banned on Weibo.
Many were supportive towards Ningning for standing up to antis. The controversy also renewed discussion among fans about the lack of action from her agency, SM Entertainment. While using her mother’s photo could indeed constitute legal issues, some expressed concern that celebrities firing back by publicly exposing users’ accounts on social media could further escalate conflicts or create additional legal risks.
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Wendy
I think its only fair to have a celebrity name and shame an anti’s account on social media. Did both people use their social media accounts to insult and hurt her publicly? Yes. Did they build a following and publicity for themselves based upon insulting and hurting someone else using their social media accounts? Yes. Why should a weapon frequently used with malice be protected? If your social media account is used to harm others; if your account sends your toxic personallity to thousands as you gain fame from hurting others, having a history of frequently attacking someone publicly on social media why should your weapon (your media accounts) exist?