Viral Podcast Allegations: IU and BLACKPINK’s Jennie Involved in ‘Paid Sponsorship Meetings’ with Wealthy Individuals

Outrage Erupts Over Podcast Claims Involving IU and BLACKPINK’s Jennie

A recently resurfaced clip from the “ABOVE the Influence Show”podcast has ignited significant controversy, as hosts Michelle Kira Lee and Wootak Kim made severe and unverified allegations concerning popular K-pop stars IU and BLACKPINK’s Jennie. This episode, which was initially behind a paywall, gained traction on social media in late May 2025, leading to widespread calls for legal action against the podcast’s hosts.

Explosive Allegations Surface

During the contentious episode, Kira Lee asserted that affluent individuals are reportedly paying entertainment companies exorbitant sums for private encounters with high-profile celebrities. She specifically mentioned IU, suggesting a staggering fee of $500, 000 per night. Kira Lee stated,

y’all on this podcast better get sued by IU and Jennie’s company pic.twitter.com/TNV98UYkk5

— #14 🩵 (@kimchaena14) May 27, 2025

Additional Claims and Backtracking

Co-host Wootak Kim followed up Kira Lee’s statement by referencing a purported incident involving a friend, allegedly the son of a BMW heir, who had claimed to pay for an encounter with Jennie. Kim’s narrative shifted when he initially mentioned viewing a video of this supposed interaction before later retracting his claim, stating that he had not actually seen the footage but was merely relaying a story narrated by an unnamed source.

Fan Reactions and Demand for Accountability

Fans of both IU and Jennie were swift to denounce the podcast’s claims as defamatory and harmful to the artists’ reputations. Social media became a platform for outrage, as fans organized calls for accountability and urged YG Entertainment (Jennie’s agency) and EDAM Entertainment (IU’s agency) to take legal action against the hosts for defamation. Many expressed their dismay over the unjust treatment of their idols.

Responses from Podcast Hosts

In light of the unfolding backlash, both hosts attempted to clarify the context of their remarks. Kira Lee stated that the controversial clip had been “edited out of context”and asserted that the content did not accurately represent their views or intentions. Meanwhile, Kim maintained that he was simply recounting a story, emphasizing that he had no intention of targeting Jennie specifically.

Current Status of the Controversy

As of now, neither IU, Jennie, nor their respective management teams have commented officially on the allegations made during the podcast. Fans remain watchful, anticipating a response to what many perceive as a damaging and baseless narrative.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Hx4grr7tD0

Jennie IU and T.O.P DRAGGED in Shocking New Kpop Scandal Allegations!! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Hx4grr7tD0)

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