Yuehua Entertainment has formally issued an apology to fans of Choi Ye Na for abruptly ending the promotional activities for her HATE XX comeback.
In late June, Choi Ye Na returned with her second single album Hate XX, with the song “Hate Rodrigo” as its title track.
However, the song, which featured (G)I-DLE member Yuqi, was met with online backlash. Netizens speculated that the song was a diss track directed to American singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo.
https://twitter.com/YENA_OFFICIAL/status/1674671023416016898
Moreover, the music video even featured actual images of Rodrigo. It also included several references to some music videos of the American popstar.
Additionally, fans also continued criticizing the song’s title and the similarities of the concept between the two releases.
https://twitter.com/YENA_OFFICIAL/status/1668996717872832512
Following the criticisms, the music video for “Hate Rodrigo” was made private shortly after its release.
However, Yuehua Entertainment explained that it wasn’t removed because of a request from Rodrigo’s camp. According to the agency, they “discovered possible violations of trademark rights, portrait rights and copyright in the music video.”
Homage gone wrong?
For her part, Choi Ye Na has already explained that the song wasn’t an attack towards Rodrigo.
In fact, she said that it’s meant to pay tribute to the international star’s success. She added that the “hate” is a metaphor to her envy and admiration for Rodrigo’s career.
Despite this, the track was still met with displeasure.
Within a week of her promotions, Yuehua Entertainment announced that Ye Na canceled a broadcast appearance due to bad health.
Since then, neither the artist or her agency has released a statement on her future activities and developments with the song.
Until August 5, when Yuehua Entertainment issued an apology.
“We would like to bow our heads and apologize for not quickly informing the fans about our artist Choi Ye Na’s album promotions for her second single album HATE XX,” the agency said.
The label continued that they accept the “fans’ rebuke.” They promised that they’d try to “make more of an effort” to listen to the opinions of the supporters.
Currently, Choi Ye Na is preparing for her Japanese debut on August 9.
[📸YENA PIC]
23.08.07 #SHOWCASE
日本もYENAとSMILEY😆
YENAの日本デビューを 共に過ごしてくれてありがとうございます✨
ちゃんみなさんからのお祝いもJigumiとの出会いも‼
おかげで、とても幸せでした😘日本でも素敵な思い出を作りましょうね JIGUMI💛#YENA #イェナ #Jigumi #SMILEY pic.twitter.com/aYwDM5qKSJ
— YENA JAPAN OFFICIAL (@JP_YENA) August 7, 2023
Choi Ye Na made her debut in 2018 through the project group IZ*ONE, after becoming one of the 12 winners in the audition program Produce 48. After IZ*ONE’s disbandment in April 2020, she made her solo debut in January 2021.
Featured image: Choi Ye Na in the concept photos for her ‘Hate XX’ album. Credit: Twitter/YE NA