Japanese idol group PLANCK STARS has come under intense scrutiny following a controversial incident at a recent fan meeting, where members reportedly encouraged a male fan to consume dishwashing soap as part of a prank. The event, intended to be lighthearted, quickly escalated into a public relations crisis for the group.
According to reports, during the fan interaction, the male attendee initially refused the request multiple times but eventually acquiesced. Despite the fan later assuring that he felt fine, the act was widely condemned as reckless and potentially harmful. Critics argue that such behavior crosses the line of acceptable fan engagement and poses serious health risks.
In response to the backlash, PLANCK STARS issued a formal apology, stating:
The members, as a joke, made a male fan drink dishwasher soap. We are so sorry. Usually, we make sure our fans aren’t harmed during our fun live shows.
This incident is not the first time PLANCK STARS has faced criticism for their unconventional antics. The group, known for their rebellious image and departure from traditional idol norms, has previously engaged in controversial stunts, including releasing live crickets into the audience and staging provocative competitions among members.
Founded in Hiroshima in 2018, PLANCK STARS built a reputation for pushing boundaries within the J-pop idol scene. Their approach, often described as “free-spirited delinquents,” aims to challenge the conventional expectations of idol behavior. However, this latest episode has reignited debates about the responsibilities of entertainers towards their fans and the limits of performance art.
As the group prepares for a planned reformation in July 2025 following their disbandment earlier in February, it remains to be seen how this controversy will impact their comeback and relationship with their fanbase.
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