The K-Pop world is buzzing with debate over a recent live stream featuring Woni from the rising group RESCENE. What’s causing the stir? So-called “card cutting” content, which has sparked a flurry of edited videos and accusations of forced fault-finding.
It all began with a live video titled “Charmander Pokémon Center Visit,” broadcast recently on RESCENE’s official YouTube channel. The stream showcased Woni’s genuine excitement as she visited a Pokémon card shop, unboxing Pokémon TCG (trading card game) packs, and engaging directly with her global fanbase.
For over an hour, Woni dove into the world of Pokémon, opening packs and series boxes. Fans watched as she reacted to potentially obtaining ultra-rare cards, explored different card sleeve and toploader storage methods, and even playfully matched her drawn Pokémon cards with fellow RESCENE members who shared similar vibes.
Known affectionately among her fans for her Charmander-like energy, Woni shared that her recent interest in Pokémon and her enjoyment of gacha or “card cutting” style content were the inspirations behind this engaging stream.
The Controversial “Box Cutting” Suggestion
However, a pivotal moment in the broadcast led to the current controversy. While Woni was happily unboxing, the card shop owner made an unexpected suggestion. “In the US, there’s a trend called box cutting,” he proposed, demonstrating how some fans cut unopened card packs with scissors. This method, unlike carefully snipping the top to preserve cards, involves slicing directly through the middle of the pack, often to capture dramatic reactions of despair or surprise when ultra-rare cards appear.
Woni’s initial reaction was one of hesitation. “Shall we try it?” she pondered, then quickly reconsidered, “Maybe not.” Yet, after the owner’s persistent urging, she eventually gave in, cutting just one pack in half. Following this “half-cut,” Woni immediately expressed regret, mentioning that the pack likely contained Charmander cards she was hoping for, as well as cards liked by other RESCENE members.
The Spread of Edited Clips and Initial Backlash
Despite this singular instance, Woni promptly returned to opening card packs in the usual, careful manner. However, it was only the scene of her half-cutting that one card pack which was clipped, edited, and rapidly spread across various social media platforms after the broadcast. Predictably, some viewers who encountered only this isolated clip voiced discomfort and criticism, accusing the idol of carelessly damaging card packs.
RESCENE リセンヌ ウォニ
ポケカ 真ん中からハサミ入れる pic.twitter.com/1AEKMQCLH0— ぅゅゅ-ん🍼💫 (@HI_y_mks) August 21, 2026
Fans Rally to Defend Woni
The tide quickly turned, though, as many netizens familiar with the full context stepped up to defend Woni. They pointed out that she did not half-cut all the packs, and only proceeded with one after considerable hesitation and the owner’s persistent encouragement. These fans vehemently rebutted claims of unfair criticism against Woni.
They urged others to watch the full video to understand the complete sequence of events, highlighting the owner’s repeated persuasion and noting that this type of “box cutting” content had previously gained popularity overseas, effectively refuting the premature and unfair criticisms leveled against the RESCENE member.
