Several K-pop idols, including TXT’s Soobin, NCT 127’s Taeyong, SEVENTEEN’s Woozi, ATEEZ’s Mingi, and Singles Inferno 2 contestant DEX, have recently come under scrutiny for their endorsement of the Japanese manga and anime series Made in Abyss.
Created by Akihito Tsukushi, the series has been subject to criticism for its depictions of violence and content considered pedophilic. Spanning 12 manga volumes and two anime seasons, it follows Riku and her half-human friend Reg on their perilous journey into the Abyss to find Riku’s mother. While it has garnered praise for its innovative world-building and stunning graphics, the series has sparked controversy over its explicit content. This includes disturbing scenes of the young protagonists being tortured, nudity, and sexualized depictions.
TXT’s Soobin shared on a live broadcast that he found the second season of Made in Abyss “so much fun” despite acknowledging its provocative nature. “The second season of Made in Abyss is coming out right now. To be honest, I didn’t think the first season was that much fun. But the second season is so fun,” Soobin said. “It’s not an anime that I want to recommend to you because it’s kind of provocative, but the story is really good, and I’m having fun watching it.”
Similarly, NCT 127’s Taeyong has revealed that he’s a supporter through his social media post that showed him owning the manga. SEVENTEEN’s Woozi also mentioned the anime during his Weverse Live in 2022. During a fan call, ATEEZ’s Mingi expressed his admiration for Made in Abyss, listing it as one of his all-time favorite anime series. Additionally, DEX openly shared his enthusiasm for the show, especially captivated by its “bizarre” and astonishing plot twists.
Taeyong is def weird for having VOULME 11 of made in abyss a manga known that puts kids in sexual situations 😭😭 when I first watched it I was in my tween/teen age and I was mad uncomfortable idk how you could enjoy/ read something like that
— nanda (@nanda_ai0912) November 19, 2023
TAEYONG NOT ONLY READ 11 VOLUMES OF MADE IN ABYSS BUT HE POSTED A PICTURE OF IT NEXT TO HIS STUPID BIG RED BOOTS AS A LITTLE HINT TO FANS THAT HE’S INTO THAT KIND OF SHIT LIKE WHYYYY AM I ALIVEEEEEEEE pic.twitter.com/IB5ezGFeGP
— 🃏 (@diIftaros) November 19, 2023
The author, Akihito Tsukushi, has faced backlash from both fans and critics for his problematic content and personal inclinations, including owning an elementary school girl’s uniform and having questionable interests in young girls, as per his interviews and artwork.
Popular K-pop idols’ fondness for Made in Abyss has raised questions about its impact on their young fan base. Despite its narrative appeal, the series contains elements that could be harmful to teenage audiences. The idols’ association with content deemed inappropriate has sparked a debate about celebrities’ responsibility, especially when dealing with young and impressionable audiences.
He loves describing all of Nanachi different body parts smell. It's also been proven that he regularly smells his Nanachi plushies. So let’s call him what he is a pedophile 🚨 pic.twitter.com/LKMZ96RpGA
— Mochi (@garden_mane) November 19, 2023
