Brutal Criticism Of ITZY Ryujin’s HYBE Group Cover Triggers Anger

ITZY‘s Ryujin was subjected to brutal criticism for her cover of a HYBE group’s song, sparking anger among fans.

ITZY recently had a fan meeting.

ITZY The 5th Fan Meeting 있지 믿지, 날자! “ALL IN, MIDZY” – DAY 2

ITZY와 MIDZY가 서로의 날개가 되어준 시간 🪽
앞으로도 서로의 빛이 되어주며 있지 믿지, 날자!

The time ITZY and MIDZY became each other’s wings 🪽
Being each other’s light, ITZY MIDZY, Let’s Fly!#ITZY #MIDZY… pic.twitter.com/7F55atPz8R

— ITZY (@ITZYofficial) August 9, 2026

During the event, Ryujin did a cover of “REDRED” by HYBE group CORTIS.

Ryujin of ITZY performs REDRED by CORTIS in a new video.pic.twitter.com/nbnRW8NFUE

— About Music (@AboutMusicYT) August 8, 2026

While many fans were obsessed with the cover, they were shocked to see Ryujin facing a wave of malicious hate.

In particular, netizens claimed that ITZY had lost “relevancy” by having to cover juniors’ songs, and some even hit back directly at Ryujin’s interpretation of the song.

this is actually so sad they used be the biggest group of 4th gen now their covering their junior’s songs for relevancy

— jia (@kebabjiaa) August 8, 2026

it’s sad how much they’ve fallen tbh

— ash (semi ia) (@dear4newjeans) August 8, 2026

Itzy fell off so bad wdym you’re performing a cortis song

— karlee girl shady facts (@whimsyblackgirl) August 8, 2026

Same reaction I love the song and the choreo but she just ruined the whole thing

— 🍳 (@getaigriewithme) August 8, 2026

Netizens quickly defended Ryujin, not understanding how many groups did covers at fanmeetings or covered certain groups, but only the ITZY singer was getting backlash and hate for it.

covered a song fans kept asking her to do at a fanmeeting. tf are some of you complaining about? “gen5 song for relevance” well, when you’re a great performer you’re gonna attract attention

— wyv ☆ (@killmydoubt) August 8, 2026

random idol does a cover and everyone is like oh ok good cover, but if itzy does a cover they become khia from nuguland? next time your idol does a cover what are you going to do?

if you haven’t got any compliment to say to ryujin you should should just mind your own business

— 🖤≷ (@aesuzyj) August 9, 2026

how are y’all twisting a girl covering her favorite song into “itzy fell off so much they’re using younger groups for relevancy” this is a fanmeeting you’re supposed to cover songs you or your fans want you to do so…?

— ana (@selfcrucifxion) August 8, 2026

There was even hate towards CORTIS.

I love you ryujin but promoting ai music by one of the biggest industry plant is not it :/ pic.twitter.com/dZjSEb96Lm

— lis ꕤ ｡˚⋆ ReVe summer 🐚 (@yvesilens) August 8, 2026

ITZY