Chinese fans propose paying off Ai-jjing's parents' 700 million won debt

Chinese fans on Weibo have proposed a loan-based fundraising plan to settle approximately 700 million won in unpaid wages owed by the parents of A2O LITE member Ai-jjing. The proposal follows allegations that an education company operated by her parents in Beijing has withheld employee wages since 2024.

The controversy surrounding Ai-jjing, a member of the rookie girl group A2O LITE produced by Lee Soo-man, has entered a new phase. Amid allegations that her parents owe approximately 700 million won in unpaid wages, some Chinese fans have proposed fundraising and providing loans to resolve the mother's debt issues. While the movement stems from a desire to allow the young member to focus on her music career without being embroiled in family controversies, criticism is mounting over whether it is appropriate for fans to take on debt burdens while the victims claiming unpaid wages have yet to be compensated.

Recently, posts appeared on the Chinese social media platform Weibo suggesting that fans collect money so that Ai-jjing's mother can resolve her debt issues. One fan publicly expressed a willingness to lend 1,000 yuan and suggested that large fan accounts coordinate to organize the fund. Rather than simple donations, the plan involves providing support in the form of loans. It is reported that the idea is to first secure the funds necessary to settle the debt, with the intention of returning the money to fans once future income is generated.

Another fan expressed the sentiment, "If there are people willing to help, let's organize together," adding, "If possible, I hope Ai-jjing's mother can also participate to resolve the problem." Some fans appear to want Ai-jjing to be able to perform on stage and enjoy her early debut experiences without feeling pressured by her parents' business disputes. The proposal for financial support seems to have arisen from sympathy for a minor member facing criticism due to family issues unrelated to her own responsibilities.

However, as this news spread to online communities in Korea, reactions have been mixed. While some understand the fans' goodwill, questions have been raised regarding whether fans, who are not the parties responsible for the debt, can provide a fundamental solution. Netizens reacted with comments such as, "What is a fan?", "The parents are completely blocking their child's path," "Does paying the money alone solve anything?", and "It has been a while since they released a statement, so why haven't they paid yet?"

The core of the controversy extends beyond the mere fact that a celebrity's family has debt. Because allegations of unpaid wages have been raised and the rights and livelihoods of those claiming damages remain unresolved, concerns have been raised about fans stepping forward to settle the debt. While it is a separate matter whether Ai-jjing was directly involved in her parents' business disputes, critics point out that it must be examined whether fan support will lead to actual wage payments for the victims or if it will devolve into a way of substituting for the debtor's fulfillment of responsibility.

Ai-jjing previously became the center of controversy following her debut as a member of A2O LITE on the 12th, when allegations of her parents' unpaid wages surfaced. According to local Chinese reports, an education company operated by Ai-jjing's parents in Beijing is suspected of having withheld employee wages since 2024. The amount of compulsory execution by the court against the related company and in the names of the parents is reported to be approximately 3.45 million yuan, which is about 700 million won. However, the specific details of the amount and debt, as well as the actual repayment status, require verification through relevant court records and official explanations from the parties involved.

As the controversy spread, Ai-jjing's mother released a statement via Weibo on the 14th. She apologized, stating, "Debt disputes occurred due to the deterioration of business management," and promised, "I will not evade responsibility and will take responsibility until all problems are resolved." At the same time, she emphasized, "The child has no connection to past business-related disputes." This is interpreted as an attempt to separate the parents' business issues from the activities of their minor child. However, as it will be difficult to conclude the controversy with only a stance of fulfilling responsibility, the actual debt settlement process and victim relief are expected to be important issues moving forward.

Ai-jjing has also recently been caught in another controversy. In a video of a group photo time during a broadcast station arrival released on the 22nd, her body was captured overlapping with another member while finding a spot. Some netizens pointed out that Ai-jjing pushed the member next to her, calling it a lack of consideration. Conversely, counterarguments emerged stating that it is excessive to judge the situation as intentional, given that it occurred while multiple members were posing simultaneously on narrow stairs. It is noted that it is not easy to judge intent from a short scene in a video.

Public opinion surrounding Ai-jjing is becoming complicated as controversies ranging from family debt allegations to behavioral issues have emerged consecutively since her debut. While there is validity to the argument that the parents' business responsibilities should be distinguished from the minor member's activities, the unpaid wage allegations and the rights of the victims should not be pushed to the background. Even if the fans' affection stems from a desire to protect the young member, it is problematic if that goodwill becomes a means to substitute for the debtor's responsibility. Ultimately, the key to settling the controversy lies not in fan fundraising, but in transparent explanations regarding the debt and practical relief for the victims.

Read the original (Korean)