Joshua of K-pop boy group SEVENTEEN couldn’t help but burst into tears at the continuous support of their fans following his recent dating controversy.
On September 6 to 7, the “Super” hitmakers held their FOLLOW concert at the Tokyo Dome. While the performances were impeccable, the members’ ending messages particularly moved the fans.
Joshua, specifically, couldn’t help but get emotional as he talked about the strong bond between SEVENTEEN and CARATs.
“You have become the motivation for me to work with all my might and more in my activities,” he said. “CARATs will always be the force that drives me. So that I can convey my feelings to CARATs, I will work even harder going forward.”
🦌 …as per usual, really
really, [because of you] we're able to show you seventeen and [you] have become the motivation for me to work with all my might and more in my activities. carats will always be the force that drives me…— svtr🧸 (@svtranslation) September 6, 2023
During the second day of the show, Joshua once again expressed his gratitude to their supporters. “Just being able to see all of you, whether you’re cheering for me or helping me become a better person has been incredible.”
230907 [FOLLOW in TOKYO]
Some part of Shua’s ment
🦌: i am grateful for being here once again in Tokyo Dome. Just being able to see all of you, whether you’re cheering for me or helping me become a better person has been incredible.#JOSHUA #조슈아
— jihanhour👼🦌 (@jihanhour) September 7, 2023
Joshua’s dating controversies
While this might be a usual gratitude message for others, CARATs know that Joshua’s message hold more weight as it’s the idol’s first concert following his dating controversy.
In early August, speculations that Joshua is dating model/influencer Mi Young circulated online. Such rumors came due to footage of the two allegedly wearing the same products and taking photos in similar locations within the same time.
Although other fans have debunked the allegations, there were unfortunately some antis who boycotted and protested against the idol.
Aside from the model/influencer, Joshua was also linked to former MOMOLAND member Jane. To which Jane was quick to deny. Moreover, Jane emphasized that she never even personally met the SEVENTEEN member.
Even without directly addressing the rumors, the controversy obviously took a toll on Joshua as he maintained a low profile on social media. He also appeared visibly exhausted in public.
[#WEVERSE POST] 230826 JOSHUA #조슈아
🦌: you worked hard today too, carats !! pic.twitter.com/niwU7NWbFj
— . (@svtcontents) August 26, 2023
Be Loud For Joshua
Following Joshua’s poignant moment at the concert, many fans were quick to show their support for the idol. Hashtags “Be Loud for Joshua” and “We Love You Joshua” trended on social media.
Some couldn’t help but applaud the strength it took for Joshua to be emotionally vulnerable to his fans after a distressing moment.
I’ll stand beside you. With those who love you. With Seventeen. With Carat. No need to look back to make sure if anyone will catch you when you fall. Bcs we’ll be holding your hands side to side. We won’t let you fall down.
Joshua Hong, please be happy. Please always be happy. pic.twitter.com/9gT7kmKZ6L
— 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚🦦⚔️ ◡̈ (@tetehcarat) September 6, 2023
i hope every tears that you have been shed this whole time becomes a way for more happiness in the future, shua. you have been incredibly strong, and we are so proud of you. we always see you. always. i love you. #조슈아 #세븐틴 #JOSHUA #SEVENTEENpic.twitter.com/C0B9cgQ8RM
— 뀨슈 (@dailygyushua) September 6, 2023
even the strongest pillar breaks sometimes but there’s nothing that can stop a good and genuine heart. we love because you show us love. and today, more than ever you showed us how to be brave in loving and in facing love even in difficult times 🤍#WE_LOVE_JOSHUA pic.twitter.com/HXXJWMGL2j
— # (@hjszones) September 6, 2023
“CARATs have always been my driving force, i will never forget the love i got from CARATs.” – joshua
and we will forever give you the love you deserve 🤍 #WE_LOVE_JOSHUA #조슈아 pic.twitter.com/PKkPb9JODh
— ✷ (@shujithinker) September 6, 2023
Many also aired out their frustration to those who started the rumors, telling them that they’re not deserving to be called fans of SEVENTEEN.
Overall, the majority declared their continued support for Joshua, promising that they’ll be by his side through thick and thin.
In spite of the controversies, Joshua continued his activities with SEVENTEEN. Recently, he, together with members DK and DINO, were featured in the remix of New Kids On The Block’s “Dirty Dancing.”
Featured image: Joshua during SEVENTEEN’s ‘Be The Sun’ in Seoul concert. Credit: Facebook/SEVENTEEN