ALLDAY PROJECT, one of K-pop’s most talked-about rookie groups, is facing mounting backlash after their performance at KCON 2025 Los Angeles went viral for all the wrong reasons. Despite their rapid rise in popularity, consistent visuals, and viral high-teen concept, the group has now found itself at the center of one of K-pop’s most feared fan reactions: a “black ocean.”
Multiple fan-taken videos from KCON show the group performing their track “WICKED” in front of a surprisingly unresponsive audience. In one clip, the camera pans across a silent, unmoving crowd, with barely a few lightsticks waving to the beat. Netizens were quick to describe the moment as a “dead crowd”, a term used to indicate a severe lack of fan engagement—a nightmare scenario for any K-pop act.
The tension only grew during the member introduction segment. When Tarzzan enthusiastically shouted, “LA! How y’all doing?”, the lukewarm response from the crowd was noticeably different from the reception other members received. A separate, allegedly edited video even appeared to depict booing, which quickly went viral and sparked heated debate online.
Much of the backlash is believed to stem from ongoing criticism of Tarzzan, who has faced repeated allegations of cultural appropriation—particularly due to his hairstyle and past social media behavior. Despite months of backlash, neither Tarzzan nor his agency has released an official statement, further angering international fans.
The situation worsened when Tarzzan appeared at the KCON red carpet wearing a hairstyle many still consider culturally insensitive, intensifying criticism over his and the company’s lack of accountability.
Tarzzan’s controversial image has only been fueled by past behavior. In a widely shared dance challenge video with fellow member Woochan, Tarzzan wore oversized pants that sagged to reveal his white boxer shorts—a look fans described as inappropriate and vulgar.
Further outrage ensued after another clip allegedly showed Tarzzan using the N-word, leading to widespread accusations of racism. Amid the uproar, a post claiming to be an official statement from THE BLACK LABEL announcing Tarzzan’s removal went viral, gaining over 2.3 million views.
However, this statement was quickly debunked as AI-generated fake news, and the agency has yet to respond publicly to any of the allegations.
Many K-pop fans see the cold reception at KCON 2025 as a turning point. While some defended the group, others claimed the crowd’s reaction “wasn’t harsh enough,” suggesting the group deserved a full “black ocean”—a silent protest where fans turn off their lightsticks in disapproval.
While one event doesn’t reflect their entire global fanbase, the incident highlights a growing disconnect between ALLDAY PROJECT and their international audience. With controversy piling up and no public accountability, the group’s global image appears to be on shaky ground.
Sources: koreaboo
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