In a recent episode of JTBC's "R U Next?", a show that aims to select members for HYBE's upcoming girl group, a wave of discontent has emerged among K-pop fans. The reason? The unexpected elimination of trainee Chanelle, who had garnered significant attention and support throughout the competition.

Unexpected Exit Sparks Outrage

During the 9th episode, which aired on August 25th, trainees Jihyun and Chanelle were announced as the eliminated contestants. The decision was met with shock and disappointment, not only from the participants but also from viewers. Both trainees had consistently showcased their skills and had delivered commendable performances in every round.

The backlash was particularly intense for Chanelle's elimination. International fans expressed their dismay, with many claiming that she was "robbed" of her rightful place in the debuting lineup for HYBE's Belift LAB's upcoming girl group. The show's social media platforms have since witnessed a significant drop in followers, with their official TikTok account losing more than 50,000 followers.

Allegations of Favoritism and Editing

The controversy deepened as fans criticized the show for alleged favoritism towards other trainees. Chanelle's performance of IVE's "ELEVEN" was pointed out by a judge for being "out of tune" and "off-key." However, many fans disagreed with this assessment. Additionally, there were claims that Chanelle's appearances on the show were edited in a manner that portrayed her in a negative light, making her seem "selfish" and "ungrateful."

Why Chanelle Became a Fan Favorite

Chanelle Moon Thomas, known as Moon Chanelle, is a South Korean-American trainee under Belift Lab. Born in 2003, she quickly became a favorite among international fans for a plethora of reasons. Chanelle was praised for her "all-rounder" skills, showcasing impressive vocals, dance, and rap abilities. Her stage presence was also noted as being exceptional.

Beyond her talents, Chanelle was also cherished for her personality. She was seen as a determined individual, always giving her best and not shying away from expressing her opinions. Her camaraderie with other trainees also endeared her to fans.

Looking Ahead

While Chanelle's journey on "R U Next?" has come to an end, her fans remain hopeful and supportive of her future endeavors. The incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of reality shows and the deep emotional investment fans have in their favorite contestants.

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