Once hailed as one of the brightest stars of K-pop’s third generation, Chanyeol of EXO is facing a dramatic downturn in public image and industry standing highlighted by his recent exclusion from promotional material for Sister’s Cafe on Coupang Play.
The idol appeared for only one second in the teaser and was entirely removed from the original thumbnail. The production team later restored his image in a revised version, but only after facing backlash from international fans. The incident has led many to question whether Chanyeol’s diminished presence was intentional, an attempt to avoid potential controversy related to his past scandals.
The awkward handling suggests that Chanyeol’s once-dominant public position has faded. Unlike in the past, his being edited out drew little defense from the Korean public.
Debuting in 2012 as EXO’s main rapper and one of the group’s most visually appealing members, Chanyeol stood out with his 185cm frame, warm smile, and lively persona. He quickly became a fan favorite, branching into songwriting, acting, playing instruments, and endorsing major brands. At EXO’s peak from 2013 to 2017 he was omnipresent in entertainment, solidifying his status as a “nation’s idol.”
Together, EXO and Chanyeol reached historic milestones: Growl became a national anthem, the group won five consecutive Daesangs, and albums like XOXO, Exodus, and Ex’Act sold millions. EXO’s performance at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics symbolized their cultural dominance. Back then, the phrase “nationally beloved” was almost synonymous with EXO, especially Chanyeol.
However, that image shattered in late 2020 when a woman, claiming to be Chanyeol’s ex-girlfriend, accused him of cheating with multiple women over three years. SM Entertainment neither confirmed nor denied the claims, and Chanyeol remained silent before eventually suing the accuser for defamation. Yet, the damage was done. The Korean public reacted with anger and disappointment, eroding the idol’s reputation nearly overnight. His subsequent military enlistment during the unresolved scandal only deepened the silence.
Upon his discharge in 2022, Chanyeol attempted a comeback through music, acting, and solo concerts. But the landscape had changed. Some shows reported slow ticket sales, and his solo projects failed to make significant impact in South Korea. While international fans remain supportive, domestic interest has largely waned. The scandal, prolonged silence, and EXO’s overall inactivity have all contributed to Chanyeol’s fading relevance.
Rebuilding public trust in South Korea known for its critical scrutiny of celebrities now looms as one of the biggest challenges in Chanyeol’s career. What was once an unshakable legacy now stands as a cautionary tale of how quickly fame can fade in the unforgiving world of K-pop.
Sources: K14
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