Wooyoung’s Bold Refusal

In a bold move that has sent ripples through the K-Pop community, ATEEZ member Wooyoung has firmly declined to participate in the trending “Like Jennie” dance challenge, a dance inspired by BLACKPINK’s Jennie’s new track from her solo album, Ruby. The song, which has captivated fans worldwide with its infectious beat and dynamic choreography, has seen widespread participation from many top K-Pop idols, including TXT’s Yeonjun, ENHYPEN’s Niki, and ITZY’s members.

A Deeper Issue at Play

However, when a fan recently urged Wooyoung to join in on the fun during a livestream on ATEEZ’s fan communication platform, his response came as a shock: “I won’t be doing it. Aren’t you ATINY?” This statement hinted at a deeper issue surrounding his refusal, particularly in light of ATEEZ's ongoing conflict with Vata, the choreographer behind the “Like Jennie” dance.

The Origins of the Dispute

The roots of the dispute trace back to 2022 when Vata was a contestant on the hit show Street Man Fighter. He faced serious accusations of plagiarizing a signature dance move known as the "driving" move from ATEEZ’s iconic track, “Say My Name.” This move, composed by talented choreographers Josh Smith, Johnny Erasme, and Anze Skrube, was first showcased in 2019, and ATEEZ fans have always felt proud of its originality.

A Stand for Artistic Integrity

Wooyoung, known for his outspoken nature, has previously called out Vata for the plagiarism. During live performances of “Say My Name,” he even signaled the crowd with the “biting” gesture, emphasizing his belief that the move was not an original creation of Vata. The lack of any apology from Vata has only intensified Wooyoung's resolve to distance himself from the “Like Jennie” challenge, which he associates with a choreographer he believes has wronged his group.

Support from Fans

Though some fans have misinterpreted his refusal as a slight toward Jennie, those close to the situation understand that Wooyoung’s decision is rooted in loyalty to ATEEZ and their artistic integrity. The incident has ignited a wave of support for him on social media, with fans rallying to clarify his stance and defend his choices.

The Bigger Picture in K-Pop

As the K-Pop landscape continues to evolve, Wooyoung’s rejection of the challenge serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding creativity, originality, and idol responsibilities in the fiercely competitive industry. What’s next for ATEEZ and their dedicated fanbase, ATINY? Only time will tell!