K-Pop Fans Rally Against iQIYI’s Neglect of POLARIX, Sparking Viral Hashtag Campaign

The Rise of POLARIX and Fan Expectations

POLARIX, a nine-member boy group formed through iQIYI’s survival show Starlight Boys, burst onto the scene with high expectations. The group, consisting of Shao Ziheng, Lee Junhyuk, Xu Shihuan, Xin Che, Pentor, Hangyul, Zai, Yang Donghwa, and Lee Daeul, represents a unique blend of Chinese, Korean, Thai, and Taiwanese talent. The show, which aired its finale on December 28, 2024, captivated audiences with its intense competition and star-studded mentorship from industry giants like STAYC and host Lee Sung Kyoung. Fans, known as Luminix, invested emotionally and financially in the group, with many paying to vote for their favorite trainees during the show.

The group’s name, POLARIX, symbolizes “nine stars together, like Polaris, the brightest star in the night sky,” promising infinite possibilities. Their pre-debut single, “Dreamless,” released on April 28, 2025, hinted at their potential to redefine the global boyband scene. However, five months after their formation, fans are frustrated by what they perceive as iQIYI’s lack of effort in promoting the group, particularly in South Korea, where K-pop thrives.

Fans’ Grievances: A Call for Action

The core of the protest stems from iQIYI’s apparent focus on promoting POLARIX in China rather than South Korea, despite the group’s K-pop roots. Social media posts reveal fans’ confusion and disappointment over the group’s activities, which have largely been limited to Chinese platforms like Weibo. Many fans argue that iQIYI has neglected international platforms and failed to secure a Korean agency to manage the group’s activities in the K-pop hub. This has led to accusations of mismanagement and even sabotage, with some fans claiming iQIYI is wasting the group’s potential.

One fan expressed their frustration, saying, “We waited with hope, but enough is enough. iQIYI isn’t just ignoring POLARIX; they’re actively holding them back.” Another pointed out the lack of clarity about the group’s future, noting that while some members, like Shao Ziheng, have individual schedules, the group as a whole lacks cohesive promotion. The absence of a confirmed Korean agency has further fueled speculation, with rumors suggesting Cube Entertainment might be involved, though no official statement has been made.

The situation is particularly poignant for the group’s Korean members—Lee Junhyuk, Hangyul, Yang Donghwa, and Lee Daeul—who face challenges due to China’s restrictions on K-pop activities. Fans have expressed sympathy for Hangyul, a seasoned idol who has endured multiple survival shows, including The Unit and Produce X 101. “How many times is he going to suffer?” one fan wrote, urging iQIYI to provide clear plans for the Korean members.

The Power of Hashtags and K-Pop Activism

K-pop fans are no strangers to mobilizing for a cause. Known for their organizational skills and digital savvy, fandoms have a history of using social media to amplify their voices. In 2020, fans of groups like BTS and BLACKPINK made headlines by flooding racist hashtags with fancams and crashing a Dallas police app to protect protesters. The POLARIX protest follows this tradition, with fans uniting under hashtags like #iQIYIpromotePOLARIX and #BringPolarixToKorea to demand accountability.

The campaign began gaining momentum in mid-May 2025, with posts from fan accounts urging Luminix to spread the hashtags. By May 18, the movement was trending on platforms like Twitter and Threads, with thousands of fans sharing videos, photos, and messages highlighting POLARIX’s talent. One post described the group’s potential as “a shining star iQIYI is letting fade,” while another called for fair treatment for the Korean members, emphasizing their need for opportunities in their home country.

This isn’t the first time iQIYI has faced criticism from K-pop fans. The platform’s history of prioritizing individual promotions over group activities has long frustrated fans of survival show groups. However, the POLARIX protest stands out for its intensity and global reach, with Chinese fan pages reportedly joining the call for transparency about the group’s future.

Why This Matters: The K-Pop Industry and Fan Power

The POLARIX protest underscores the unique relationship between K-pop idols and their fans. Unlike other music industries, K-pop thrives on fan engagement, with supporters playing a critical role in shaping an artist’s success. From streaming music to organizing fan events, K-pop fans are a driving force, and their dissatisfaction can have significant consequences for companies like iQIYI.

The group’s multinational lineup adds another layer of complexity. With members from China, South Korea, Thailand, and Taiwan, POLARIX was poised to bridge cultural gaps and appeal to a global audience. However, fans argue that iQIYI’s China-centric approach risks alienating international supporters, particularly in South Korea, where the group’s K-pop identity was forged. The rumored easing of China’s K-pop ban has given fans hope, but many remain skeptical, citing a history of unfulfilled promises.

The protest also highlights broader issues in the K-pop industry, including the challenges of managing multinational groups and navigating geopolitical tensions. Fans have pointed out that iQIYI’s collaboration with SBS, a major South Korean broadcaster, raised expectations for a balanced promotional strategy. Instead, the lack of Korean activities has left many feeling betrayed.

iQIYI’s Response and the Road Ahead

As of May 20, 2025, iQIYI has not issued an official statement addressing the hashtag campaign. The company’s silence has only fueled fans’ determination, with some accusing iQIYI of prioritizing profit over the group’s success. The financial aspect is a sore point, as fans paid to vote during Starlight Boys, leading to questions about where that money went. “Did it go to POLARIX, or is iQIYI just pocketing it?” one fan asked.

Despite the lack of clarity, there are signs of hope. Some fans have noted that individual members, like Shao Ziheng and Hangyul, have upcoming schedules, suggesting that an agency may be working behind the scenes. Others believe the timing of the protest, coinciding with the post-holiday season, could pressure iQIYI to act.

For now, Luminix remain steadfast, using their collective voice to push for change. The hashtag campaign has not only brought attention to POLARIX’s plight but also showcased the group’s potential to a wider audience. Fans have shared clips of the group’s performances, praising their vocal talent, choreography, and charisma. “These boys deserve to shine,” one supporter wrote. “iQIYI needs to do their job.”

A Movement Beyond POLARIX

The #iQIYIpromotePOLARIX campaign is more than a demand for better promotion; it’s a testament to the power of K-pop fans to hold companies accountable. As the movement continues to trend, it serves as a reminder that fans are not just passive consumers but active participants in their idols’ journeys. Whether iQIYI responds with concrete action remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Luminix are ready to fight for POLARIX’s place in the spotlight.

For fans, the protest is personal. It’s about supporting nine young men who poured their hearts into Starlight Boys and trusting that their talent will not go to waste. As one fan put it, “POLARIX is our starlight. We won’t let iQIYI dim their glow.”

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