New HYBE Girl Group’s Appearance At Major Billboard Event Stirs Up Brutal Backlash

The members of the new HYBE group PRELUDE have come under major backlash after recently attending a huge event for Billboard.

HYBE is set to debut PRELUDE and while three members have been revealed, the final is set to be picked through the show World Scout: The Final Piece.

HYBE Unveils Three Members Of Their New Girl Group, Koreans React

Ahead of the final decision in May, the members attended the 2026 Billboard Women in Music event.

PRELUDE attend 2026 Billboard Women In Music. pic.twitter.com/cDToguKzXK

— 21 (@21metgala) April 29, 2026

Yet, when the photo of the members at the event was posted, it sparked major backlash.

While some thought the members had no visual chemistry, others didn’t understand how they were attending an event without having debuted or even having a finalized lineup. Many hit back at the company for trying to push the group so early, with some brutal words about the group.

they genuinely have no visual chemistry

— kelss (@locketmoonz) April 30, 2026

The outfits are wearing them

— BLACKMAMBA (@THEOGBLACKMAMBA) April 30, 2026

no music, no fanbase, no hype just pure connections. the way they’re gonna shove this debut down everyone’s throat…

— AARON (@LIVIEPRINT) April 30, 2026

Hybexgeffen money longggggggeidhegshhshs they don’t even have their final member with them ?? like this is ridiculous 😂😭

— Abi 🌠🍭 (@blackmxst) April 30, 2026

i’m sorry but why are they attending events without their 4th member & without debuting ? to outside eyes people will perceive them as a trio & will assume they are named prelude

— keps1ayer (@keps1ayer) April 30, 2026