During a recent airport appearance, a fan handed Jeongyeon a Labubu doll, part of a high-priced collectible series that has taken the online fandom scene by storm. The quirky dolls are known for their odd-yet-cute designs and have become a go-to gift for idols.
But Jeongyeon didn’t hold back. “I’m not interested in dolls,” she said plainly. “Don’t be fooled by trends.”
The post of her comment quickly went viral, splitting netizens and fans alike into camps of praise and criticism. Some felt her response was too blunt, fearing it might have hurt the fan’s feelings. “That’s kinda sad—if I were the fan, I’d probably feel bad,” one user commented.
However, a growing number of fans have come to Jeongyeon’s defense, applauding her for being authentic in an industry often criticized for overly curated responses.
Others viewed her response as a refreshing reminder that idols are people too, with individual tastes and opinions:
The incident has reignited conversation around idol gift culture, with some fans suggesting it’s time to rethink how support is shown. While lavish gifts are common in K-pop fandoms, Jeongyeon’s reaction offers a rare, unfiltered take that has many reconsidering the emotional and financial pressure tied to such gestures.
Sources: X