“Freed” Male Idol Calls Out The Entire K-Pop Industry, Hints At Chaos Unleashing Tea

THE BOYZ‘s Kevin Moon has a lot to say about the current status of K-Pop.

On August 6, it was announced that THE BOYZ would continue on as a 9-member group following their departure from 100. Since then, the members have focused on their solo careers, including Kevin, who is prepping for a solo debut.

It seems that, amid this, Kevin has felt the need to express some of his inner thoughts about K-Pop and the industry. He began with expressing his hope that his fans would enjoy his authenticity in his album, saying that he felt bad that fans of the group were just part of the system.

I hope kpop fans can feel a breath of fresh air with the level of vulnerability in this album

— kevin moon (@kebeanmoon) August 28, 2026

It’s always troubled me to have the most dedicated fans in the world but having been restricted to shoving regurgitated trends down your throats. I’m glad to have made memories for yall but it never sat right with me that yall were simply part of a business model and nothing more

— kevin moon (@kebeanmoon) August 28, 2026

Kevin continued, saying that the way that the industry was was upsetting to him, and that he was glad to be more genuine with his work.

I’ve spent way too much time upset about the fact and now I’m finally doing music the way my inspirations in music have shown me. Music is so subjective but to me the only objective take I have is that it should be authentic. I’m glad that we had some authentic moments of joy but to see the ugly intention behind it all only fueled my fire. I don’t resent my journey because everything happened to lead me here. Just hoping that kpop fans around the world can be smarter in consuming music that has healthier intentions. My release is going to be different for sure. I did it not for the sake of being different but doing what suited my message best. It’s going to push some buttons but I believe that artists should be the last people on earth to walk on eggshells. And yet I feel that 99% of the industry has been built on eggshells.

— Kevin

He hit on other points in his thread, saying that K-Pop has “lost the plot,” amongst other things, including hitting on discussions of cultural appropriation.

The day I spill the entirety of my tea though HA it’s gonna be a sobering day for all of us

— kevin moon (@kebeanmoon) August 28, 2026

No but it’s all “we featured a drag queen” “we’re doing house now” but where’s the real recognition and celebration

— kevin moon (@kebeanmoon) August 28, 2026

I don’t have all the answers. But I’ve got awareness and humility and that should be a K-pop starter pack

— kevin moon (@kebeanmoon) August 28, 2026

Many netizens resonated with his words, especially those regarding cultural appropriation.

an idol calling this out is so huge and i need every single person on this site who has ever talked about the issues in this industry to support kevin’s album. you want real change in the industry? support the people who are actively trying to make it and speaking up about it!!!

— stephi🍀 one pact day!! (@cloveryums) August 28, 2026

somebody please arrange a podcast featuring tbz kevin & svt vernon where they talk about how kpop is essentially dying

— luíza 🦋ˎˊ˗ THE CORE 核 (@luizatheworld) August 28, 2026

As K-pop fan I think must of us understands that K-pop is mostly this big capitalist corporation that at the end of the just sees us as big numbers and money
But what I like K-pop the most is that a lot of times you find really passionate artists that when given the opportunity pic.twitter.com/2pHpDBp6cq

— Paw 🐾🍊🐧🌙Kevin’s solo debut!!!!🌙 (@Paw07288138) August 28, 2026