Unraveling the Made in Abyss Anime x Soobin Controversy

K-pop idol and frontman of Tomorrow X Together, Soobin, is facing criticism for openly expressing his affection for the Made in Abyss anime. The show, known for its controversial themes, has garnered a reputation for being disturbing among a certain portion of its viewers. As a result, negative feedback has been directed towards the idol.

The controversy emerged after a video from a past live session surfaced, in which Soobin discussed the animes he had watched, including Made in Abyss. Unfortunately, due to a misunderstanding between TXT leader Soobin and his fans, this situation has resulted in unwarranted scrutiny of the idol.

Made in Abyss anime has TXT’s Soobin facing backlash from netizens

TXT's Soobin has always been open about his love for anime and computer games. However, this openness led to a situation where he faced backlash from fans due to a misunderstanding.

The controversy surrounding the connection between Made in Abyss anime and Soobin began when a video of his Weverse livestream from 2022 surfaced. In the livestream, fans requested Soobin to recommend a recent anime he had watched. While he mentioned several titles, he also mentioned the Made in Abyss anime. However, he made it clear that he wasn't recommending it, as he found its concept to be troubling and provocative.

Reason for Made in Abyss X Soobin controversy

Reg and Riko from Made in Abyss anime (Image via Kinema Citrus)

The anime Made in Abyss, created by Mangaka Akihito Tsukushi, is renowned for its captivating plot and visually stunning elements. However, it also explores sensitive subjects and includes graphic depictions of gore. The story follows Riko, a young girl, and her robotic partner, Reg, as they embark on a treacherous expedition into the Abyss, confronting various obstacles along the way.

Despite the anime's dark themes, which depict the unsettling journey of the youthful characters, it has garnered positive feedback from the majority of viewers. Nonetheless, the explicit and violent content has proven to be disturbing for certain individuals, particularly among the younger demographic.

Consequently, this section of the audience expressed their disapproval when the K-pop idol expressed his interest in the series, finding it ‘offensive’.

It is nothing but a misunderstanding

Soobin, the leader of the well-known TXT idol group, faced criticism from fans when he recommended an explicit anime. However, it is important to note that this controversy arose due to a misunderstandings between Soobin and the fans who raised the allegations.

Earlier, I mentioned that Soobin did not actually endorse the anime to his viewers; he simply stated its name during the live session. Regrettably, some fans misunderstood his intentions, which led to widespread criticism. This criticism overshadowed his initial statement where he acknowledged the sensitive subject matter.

I wouldn't recommend this anime to you due to its provocative nature, but the storyline is truly compelling and I'm thoroughly enjoying it.

However, there is another group of fans who have come to his defense and explained the situation. Currently, the fandom is split into two factions, with some still adamantly condemning him.

Final thoughts

a scene from the anime (Image via Kinema Citrus)

Soobin's fans have theorized that the controversy between him and the Made in Abyss anime was deliberately created to discredit the idol for unknown motives. They also mentioned that the anime went through significant censorship before being aired on Korean television. As a result, many Korean viewers are unaware of the deeper meanings and interpret it mainly as a dark fantasy show. Recently, other K-pop idols like NCT 127's Taeyong and Seventeen's Woozi have faced similar backlash for showing their fascination with the Made in Abyss series.

Editor's P/S

As an anime fan, I understand the concerns raised regarding the "Made in Abyss Anime x Soobin Controversy." The show's dark themes and graphic depictions can be unsettling for some viewers, especially younger audiences. However, it is important to recognize that the controversy surrounding Soobin's recommendation of the anime may have arisen due to a misunderstanding.

Soobin clarified that he was not recommending the anime due to its provocative nature, but rather acknowledging its compelling storyline. It is unfair to criticize him for simply mentioning a show that he enjoys, especially when he provided a clear disclaimer about its content. While it is crucial to address concerns about potentially harmful media, we should also avoid jumping to conclusions and ensure that we accurately understand the context before directing backlash towards individuals. Open and respectful dialogue is essential in addressing these issues and fostering a positive environment for fans and artists alike.