EVANs TikTok Collaboration With IROHA Sparks Fan Backlash Over Honorific Use

EVAN, the stage name of former ENHYPEN member Lee Hee‑seung, has drawn criticism after a TikTok video featuring ILLIT’s Iroha went viral. The clip, posted in early June 2026, shows the two idols dancing to the newly released collaboration track “ICONIC BY MISTAKE,” a joint effort between HYBE’s girl groups LE SSERAFIM, ILLIT, and KATSEYE.

The song was released on June 12, 2026, and the video was filmed in support of the single’s promotion. In the clip, EVAN and Iroha perform a choreographed routine that has been shared across multiple social‑media platforms. While the dance itself sparked debate among fans about EVAN’s dancing ability, the controversy intensified when EVAN sent a series of direct messages to his followers. In the messages, he thanked Iroha—whom he referred to as “sunbaenim,” a Korean honorific typically reserved for senior artists—and announced that they had recorded additional videos that would be released later.

The use of “sunbaenim” prompted a swift reaction from the fan community. Some viewers interpreted the term as an attempt to erase EVAN’s former identity as a member of ENHYPEN, suggesting that he was positioning himself as a junior to a younger idol. Others defended the gesture, noting that the reference was made in a joking tone and that Iroha, who debuted in 2024, is the youngest member of ILLIT.

The backlash illustrates the sensitivity surrounding honorifics in Korean entertainment. In K‑pop, titles such as “sunbaenim” (meaning “senior”) are rarely used for peers or younger artists, and their use can be perceived as a sign of disrespect or a deliberate shift in status. According to reports, the comments on EVAN’s messages were largely negative, with several users expressing offense and demanding an apology. A minority of fans, however, pointed out that the term was used humorously and that Iroha’s status as a maknae (the youngest member) made the reference incongruous.

EVAN’s appearance in the video comes at a time when he is preparing for a solo debut under the name Evan. He left ENHYPEN in March 2026 after the group’s contract ended, and he has been promoting his new identity through social‑media content and short‑form videos. The collaboration with ILLIT and the subsequent fan reaction may influence how his solo career is perceived.

ILLIT, formed by Belift Lab—a sub‑label of HYBE—debuted in March 2024 with the EP “Super Real Me.” The group’s debut single, “Magnetic,” topped the Circle Digital Chart in South Korea. Iroha, the group’s 18‑year‑old maknae, has been highlighted for her stage presence and vocal ability. The collaboration track “ICONIC BY MISTAKE” was announced on the same day as its release, with a teaser that emphasized the unity of the three HYBE girl groups.

The incident underscores the broader trend of cross‑group collaborations within HYBE’s roster. By pairing LE SSERAFIM, ILLIT, and KATSEYE, the company has created a high‑profile project that showcases its diverse talent pool. The collaboration also reflects the growing importance of digital platforms like TikTok for promoting music releases and engaging with international audiences.

As of now, EVAN has not issued a public statement regarding the controversy. The messages that sparked the backlash were posted on his personal Weverse account and later shared on Twitter. Fans continue to debate the appropriateness of the honorific, while industry observers note that the incident may prompt a review of how idols address each other on social media.

The next steps for EVAN will likely involve clarifying his intent and managing the public perception of his solo brand. Meanwhile, HYBE has not announced any official response to the fan backlash. The collaboration track remains available on major streaming services, and additional videos featuring EVAN and Iroha are expected to be released in the coming weeks.

The episode highlights the delicate balance K‑pop idols must maintain between playful interaction and cultural norms, especially as they navigate new identities and cross‑group partnerships in an increasingly global market.