CARATs Support Hoshi Amid Allegations of Online Bullying Over His Instagram Post About SEVENTEEN’s DJ Khaled Collaboration

On October 5, 2024, Hoshi of SEVENTEEN took to his Instagram story to share a compilation video where he expressed his aspiration to collaborate with DJ Khaled. This revelation sparked controversy among fans, many of whom felt uncomfortable with Hoshi’s mention of Khaled, particularly due to the latter’s perceived silence regarding the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Palestine.

To provide some context, DJ Khaled’s parents are originally from Palestine and moved to the United States long ago. Yet, numerous critics pointed out that Khaled, like many other artists, has not contributed to relief efforts for those affected by the humanitarian crisis in Palestine. Some K-pop enthusiasts even accused him of having connections with Scooter Braun and Diddy, figures allegedly associated with pro-Israel sentiments.

Despite this backlash, a number of CARATs (fans of SEVENTEEN) defended Hoshi, emphasizing the essential distinction between educating artists on sensitive issues and resorting to online harassment.

One fan, critical of the attacks on Hoshi, expressed their feelings on X, stating:

“As a horangdan, it pains to see Hoshi under fire from carats for what he said. I can’t defend him either because I was uncomfortable with his statement. However, there is a way to educate without resorting to such harshness. This isn’t education; it’s bullying.”

A fan criticized netizens for allegedly harassing SEVENTEEN's Hoshi online (Image via X/@mochi_h05hi) — A fan criticized netizens for allegedly harassing SEVENTEEN’s Hoshi online (Image via X/@mochi_h05hi)

Defenders from the CARAT community maintained that simply naming DJ Khaled as a collaborator does not equate Hoshi with support for Israel.

“Bullying and hurling insults at idols while hiding behind anonymity isn’t educating. What morals are they upholding? Do they even follow those morals themselves? It seems moral discussions are being misused to target K-pop idols,”wrote another fan on X.

“I never imagined I’d witness such toxicity among Carats! Did he confirm support for Zionists? No! Simply mentioning he enjoys DJ Khaled’s music does not equate to backing genocide,”another voice chimed in.

“Some fans seriously lack critical thinking skills. To call themselves ‘carats’ is laughable. It’s appalling,”added yet another defender.

A fan criticized users who were allegedly bullying Hoshi (Image via X/@_horanghaestar)

Other fans lamented the trend of online bullying directed toward K-pop artists, complaining about name-calling.

“Carats are losing their supportive spirit; they’re becoming increasingly toxic,”observed one fan.

“It’s essential for them to realize they’re not educating SEVENTEEN; they’re harassing them,”another fan noted.

“And they dare to call themselves ‘fans’? What is their problem? Could they please use their brains and consider how hard SEVENTEEN is working on this album? Let’s not sabotage their efforts!”another user pleaded.

SEVENTEEN Set to Launch Upcoming Album, SPILL THE FEELS, Amid World Tour

SEVENTEEN is slated to unveil their 12th mini-album titled SPILL THE FEELS on October 14, 2024. This anticipated release will feature six tracks, including the title tracks Eyes on You, LOVE MONEY FAME (featuring DJ Khaled), 1 TO 13, Candy, Rain, and Water. Additionally, they unveiled a teaser for LOVE MONEY FAME, a hip-hop and R&B collaboration with Grammy-winning producer DJ Khaled on October 1, 2024.

The new album will showcase SEVENTEEN’s three sub-units: the Hip-hop team, the Vocal unit, and the Performance unit.

Meanwhile, the group is on their SEVENTEEN RIGHT HERE world tour, covering multiple locations including the US, South Korea, Japan, China, and Thailand.

Here’s a glimpse of some upcoming concert dates:

October 12 & 13, 2024: Goyang Stadium, South Korea
October 22 & 23, 2024: Allstate Arena, Rosemont, Illinois
October 25 & 27, 2024: UBS Arena, Belmont Park, New York
October 31 & November 1, 2024: Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, Texas
November 5 & 6, 2024: Oakland Arena, Oakland, California
November 9 & 10, 2024: BMO Stadium, Los Angeles, California
February 15, 2025: Bangkok, Thailand

In other news, SEVENTEEN performed at Lollapalooza Berlin on September 8, 2024. On September 26, member Jeonghan started his mandatory military service in South Korea.

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