As reactions continued that the YouTube travel content featuring G-IDLE member Miyeon and singer Bae Jin-young resembled the YouTube version of 'We Got Married' (hereinafter referred to as 'WGM'), the production team decided to temporarily hold off on the release.
The YouTube channel 'KODE Code' stated on the 16th, "After in-depth discussions, we have decided to temporarily hold off on uploading the main episode of 'Trip KODE', which was scheduled to be released today," and added, "We sincerely apologize to everyone who has been waiting for the content."
'Trip KODE' is a heart-pounding travel reality show where two participants enjoy a trip while completing missions to raise each other's heart rates. The production team presented a format that observes the participants' reactions under the premise of 'traveling with a stranger' and 'having to raise heart rates.'
The teaser video released on the 9th became a point of contention. The video previewed a date scene between Miyeon and Bae Jin-young with comments like 'traveling with a stranger' and 'having to raise heart rates.' The two created a real date atmosphere by playing claw machines and sharing an umbrella in a thrilling ambiance.
During this process, Bae Jin-young remarked, "You're completely innocent," "I'm more excited than I thought," and "My heart is racing right now," while Miyeon added to the sweet atmosphere by saying, "It's totally exciting."
Some fans who saw this expressed that such a variety show does not suit the two idols, pointing out the production team's planning intentions as "supply without demand."
As fans continued to express their disappointment regarding the video, Miyeon reassured them on the 13th through a fan communication platform, saying, "Don't worry, nothing to be concerned about will happen. Okay? I think everyone is surprised, so I wanted to come and tell you quickly. I love you. I'm sorry for making you worry."
Bae Jin-young also clarified the situation during an interview for the release of his first mini-album 'STILL YOUNG', stating, "We didn't know who each other was at all. We didn't even know if the other was a man or a woman, and there was no information," and added, "It felt like a game to raise heart rates, not like 'heart-thumping' as it was portrayed."
Ultimately, the production team made the teaser video private just a day after its release.
Meanwhile, Bae Jin-young released his first solo album on the 14th. Miyeon, having changed the team name to 'G-IDLE', made a comeback in Japan on the 3rd.
[Ji Seung-hoon, Star Today Reporter]
