Hearts2Hearts comeback controversy: fans protest Carmen's styling in 'Lemon Tang' teasers
Hearts2Hearts' June 22 comeback is overshadowed by fan outcry over Carmen's styling in teasers. SM Entertainment has yet to respond.
Hearts2Hearts drop their second mini album Lemon Tang on June 22. The comeback is already mired in controversy.
On June 16, SM posted lemon beach concept teasers across all eight members. In the shots with Carmen, Yuha, Stella, and Eina, three wore shorts and crop tops. Carmen was in long wide-leg pants. The full group photo showed the same split. International fans flooded SM's channels. "Why is only Carmen wearing long pants?" one post read. Another: "It's a summer concept but Carmen is wearing long pants and members are wearing shorts. I'm tired of this unfair treatment."
The wardrobe disparity is one of three issues fans have raised. An earlier lemon sun concept image—a two-shot of Carmen and Eina—sparked separate complaints. Carmen sits in the foreground but is out of focus. Eina, in the background, is sharp. Fans also note Carmen has fewer individual activities than other members. The international fanbase released a statement: "We express deep concern about the series of unfair treatment Carmen is experiencing in the recent Lemon Tang comeback project and request an official explanation and improvement."
SM has not commented.
The album contains six tracks. The title is Lemon Tang. RUDE! was released as a single in February. Aesthetics lean sporty and marine.
Hearts2Hearts will run their first offline popup store from June 23 through July 1 at The Hyundai Seoul B1 Event Plaza in Yeongdeungpo-gu. The space spans roughly 100 pyeong (approx. 330 sq m). It features photo zones, a mini game centered on defeating the "Lemon Sun," and member-recorded welcome messages. Merchandise includes a lemon-version plush of the official character Hakkyu-ha (하뀨하), t-shirts, beaded bracelets, and umbrellas. Visitors can book online in advance or show up on-site. The first daily session is reserved for S2U (하츄) fan club members.
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