A recent episode of the ‘ABOVE the Influence Show’ podcast has sparked controversy in the K-pop world and among the fans due to unverified allegations involving high-profile idols Jennie from BLACKPINK and K-pop solo artist IU. BLACKPINK’s Jennie has been into an unexpected controversy after a viral podcast episode made shocking and unverified claims about her alleged involvement in prostitution and the filming of explicit content. The podcast also dragged in popular soloist IU, which has sparked widespread anger among K-pop fans, who are now demanding legal action and accountability
BLACKPINK’s Jennie Faces Outrageous Allegations In Viral Podcast
A clip from an old episode of the podcast ‘ABOVE the Influence Show’ went viral online on May 28, 2025. The video, which was originally behind a paywall, shows hosts Michelle Kira Lee and Wootak Kim suggesting that some Korean celebrities take part in paid meetups with wealthy individuals. The resurfaced clip has sparked strong reactions and debate on social media.
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In the viral clip, host Michelle Kira Lee is heard claiming that some Korean celebrities are involved in paid meetups. She stated, “All the K-pop stars in Korea are wh*res, all the Korean actresses are wh*res. Apparently, every Korean celebrity/actress there's a price tag on their head. And if you're rich enough, like a Chinese businessman, you can go to these entertainment companies and request to spend a night even with the top K-Pop stars. Even IU, 500 thousand dollars a night.”
In response to this Wootak Kim added, “My friend, whom I went to some summer camp with, is the son of a BMW heir. And he f***d Jennie from BLACKPINK.” Then Michelle asks to clarify, “Like, he paid for her?” to which Wootak Kim said, “Yeah. Paid for her and has a s** video. He showed me this s** video. That's how I know it was real.”
Wootak Kim explained that he was repeating a story he heard from someone else and hadn’t seen any video himself. After the clip went viral, fans of BLACKPINK and IU slammed the podcasters for spreading baseless claims and demanded action. In response to the backlash, both hosts said their words were taken out of context and shared apologies on social media.
Michelle Kira’s Statement On Instagram
Michelle Kira Lee shared on Instagram, “I want to take a moment to directly address the viral clip circulating online and the rumors that have followed. The circulating video is edited out of context and does not reflect my beliefs, intentions, or values.”
Wootak Kim's Apologies On Instagram
Wootak Kim also posted his statement on Instagram and shared, “All you kpop stans freaking out right now, get your facts straight. I am not hating or attacking Jennie, simply telling a story I HEARD. It was not bashing but simply repeating it because the topic was how dark the kpop industry can be and why idols have high suicide rates and how crazy these 'slave' contracts can be.”
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Fans Demand Legal Action
Despite their public apologies, both hosts continue to face widespread backlash, with many questioning the sincerity of their responses. Social media was soon flooded with calls for BLACKPINK’s Jennie and her agency to take legal action and hold the hosts accountable. Both hosts are still facing heavy criticism. Many fans feel their apologies weren’t sincere, saying they tried to avoid responsibility by claiming the clips were taken out of context or that they were just repeating what someone else said.
The backlash has only grown after this has gone viral, as many online have stressed that spreading serious allegations based on this, especially about celebrities without checking such serious facts.
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