(UPDATE) K-Pop Fans Push Back After Philippine TV Show Claims Teen Stole Millions for Merch

A recent episode of the award-winning magazine show, Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho (KMJS), has sparked controversy among K-Pop fans in the Philippines. The episode featured a young girl who allegedly stole over ₱2M to finance her K-Pop merchandise collection, which includes items that the show claimed could be worth up to ₱50k, particularly "photocards."

The report has been met with backlash from fans who feel that it misrepresented the K-Pop community and put them at risk. Fans took to Twitter to express their concern, calling out the show for not doing enough research and perpetuating misinformation.

Some fans pointed out that not all photocards are worth ₱50k, and that the show should have consulted with fans before making such claims. Others expressed worry that the report could make K-Pop fans a target for theft, as it could lead to the misconception that all K-Pop merchandise is valuable.

In response to the backlash, a BTS fan named Roselyn Desalon, who has previously been featured in Balita, spoke out, urging the show's research team to be more responsible in their reporting. She emphasized that such reporting can have an impact on the happiness of fans who are already facing discrimination.

Meanwhile, a K-Pop fan named Abi Binares penned an open letter to KMJS, asking the show to clarify its statements and correct any misinformation. She also urged the show to be more careful in its reporting and to consult with K-Pop fans to ensure that they are accurately represented.

The controversy highlights the importance of responsible journalism, particularly in reporting on subcultures that may be misunderstood or misrepresented. It also underscores the power of social media in allowing fans to push back against inaccurate reporting and demand better representation. 

It remains to be seen whether KMJS will address the concerns of K-Pop fans and take steps to rectify the situation.

(UPDATE 03/07/2023 - 5:00PM):   Many are skeptical about the authenticity of the story, alleging that it was a staged marketing strategy to promote "Bea's KPop Collection" online account and sell merchandise worth over P2 million.

Furthermore, some fans took it upon themselves to investigate Bea's background and claimed that her family is not as financially deprived as the episode portrayed. This led to some fans doxxing Bea and her family, which is not only unethical but also potentially harmful.

While it's still unclear whether the story is true or not, it's important to remember that stealing from family members is never acceptable, and the obsession with collecting merchandise should not outweigh more important things in life. The controversy surrounding the KMJS episode is a reminder that media outlets and individuals should always strive for authenticity and responsibility in their storytelling.

(UPDATE 03/07/2023 - 9:00PM):  Following the backlash from Filipino K-Pop fans, the management of Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho has issued a statement. However, the statement has been criticized for failing to address the issues of irresponsible reporting and discrimination that have affected the K-Pop community: