New Boy Group TRY THAT Faces Pre-Debut Controversy
K-Pop fans are no strangers to pre-debut buzz, but the excitement for an upcoming boy group has quickly turned into a heated debate, with demands already surfacing for a member’s removal before the group has even officially debuted. This dramatic turn of events has put the spotlight on the newly formed group, reportedly named TRY THAT, just as they began to tease their entrance into the competitive K-Pop scene.
On August 7, a new account for a boy group seemingly named TRY THAT appeared on X, instantly grabbing attention with a single, intriguing teaser image. The K-Pop community was abuzz, eager to learn more about the fresh faces preparing to enter the industry, anticipating a new wave of talent.
Though the teaser image was blurred, some dedicated fans immediately recognized familiar faces among the members, thanks to their sharp eyes and extensive knowledge of the K-Pop pre-debut landscape. One prominent figure identified was Koo Hanseo, well-known for his impressive participation in popular survival shows like Mnet’s Under Nineteen and Universe League, bringing with him a pre-existing fanbase and a reputation for talent and stage presence.
A Familiar Face, A Troubling Past
Also recognized was Hyukjin, a former member of the boy group WE US, whose past involvement in a significant controversy last year quickly resurfaced and sent ripples of concern through the fandom. The re-emergence of an idol with a controversial history always raises questions, and this situation proved no different, immediately shifting the narrative from anticipation to apprehension.
The controversy surrounding Hyukjin stemmed from his public support for Charlie Kirk, a widely recognized conservative political commentator known for controversial and polarizing viewpoints that often clash with progressive ideals. After expressing this public support, which garnered immediate criticism, several private messages between Hyukjin and a netizen were shared across online platforms. These messages reportedly showed the idol seemingly agreeing with Kirk’s widely criticized transphobic, homophobic, and racist views. This incident had led to considerable backlash for him and his former group at the time, highlighting the severe repercussions of idols engaging with such sensitive and divisive topics.
The K-Pop fandom is fiercely passionate and holds idols to a high standard, particularly regarding social responsibility and inclusivity. For many, supporting a figure with such views is a direct contradiction to the values often celebrated within the global K-Pop community, which prides itself on diversity and acceptance. The revelation of Hyukjin’s potential involvement in the new group, TRY THAT, instantly reignited these past concerns, turning what should have been a celebratory pre-debut period into a period of intense scrutiny and critical examination by fans worldwide.
Fan Demands Intensify for Member Removal
On the posts of the teasers, of which there are now five, the comments sections have been inundated with calls for the idol to be removed from the group. Fans are expressing deep disappointment and concern, stating unequivocally that allowing a member with such a controversial past, especially one involving discriminatory views, could significantly tarnish the group’s image and alienate potential fans even before their official debut. The sheer volume and intensity of these demands indicate a strong collective sentiment among a significant portion of the fanbase, who are making their voices heard loud and clear.
Kick Hyukjin out, he’s gonna bring the group down https://t.co/UN0yIA5x3v
— x to dommie : UNBREAKABLE BEAST #WBD (@arnoslvr) August 10, 2026
Try kicking hyukjin out..
— °| kwan:nyuluvr ☆ |•° (@xioxio_111) August 10, 2026
Try That is debuting with a Charlie Kirk supporter and his name is Hyukjin. He showed support on his ig so proudly and shamelessly defended himself about it#KickHyukjinOutOfTryThat https://t.co/u7uLTVAQk7 pic.twitter.com/3bZAxuzBd9
This pre-debut controversy places TRY THAT and their agency in an incredibly difficult and precarious position. The K-Pop industry is notoriously competitive and image-driven, and a scandal of this nature so early on could severely impact the group’s trajectory and chances of success. As more teasers are released, the fan pressure is only intensifying, leaving many to wonder how the agency will respond to these vocal demands and what the future holds for TRY THAT’s highly anticipated, yet already contentious, debut. The unfolding situation will undoubtedly be closely watched by fans and industry observers alike, as it sets a precedent for how such issues are handled in the K-Pop landscape.
