fromis_9 scores their first Music Bank win with new line-up amid HYBE backlash drama.
HYBE faced heavy criticism in 2024 for its focus on live vocals, sparking debates online that the company was “destroying K-Pop.” As fans voiced concerns about vocal skills from some HYBE idols, another group under their umbrella, fromis_9, was spotlighted for being “forgotten.”
Originally managed by Pledis Entertainment (now under HYBE), fromis_9 debuted in 2018 after Idol School. Despite years of activity, they experienced long periods of inactivity, prompting fan complaints about poor treatment. In August 2024, the group made a comeback with their fifth single album Supersonic, followed by a December single. Shortly after, five members transferred to a new label with permission to keep the fromis_9 name.
On June 25, this new formation released the track “Like You Better.” On July 4, fromis_9 were nominated for first place on Music Bank alongside aespa’s “Dirty Work.” The competition was tight, but fromis_9 clinched their first win for this song—and their first win as this new line-up.
During their emotional acceptance speech, all members broke down in tears on stage.
fromis_9 (fromis_9) took first place on this week’s Music Bank, claiming the 1st win for “LIKE YOU BETTER” – Congratulations!
#LIKEYOUBETTER1stWin #LIKE_YOU_BETTER1stWin #fromis_9_14thWin #프로미스나인 #fromis_9
(250704) pic.twitter.com/PKtk82vSSY
After their encore, fromis_9 thanked fans again and bowed on stage. Fans flooded social media, praising the members’ heartfelt emotion and dedication. Many expressed pride and relief at seeing fromis_9 finally get recognition after years of challenges.
fromis_9 after the #LIKE_YOU_BETTER encore cried, bowed to fans, and even thanked Music Bank staff!
This genuine kindness and dedication is what makes me so proud to be a flover.
I will stay with these girls #From_Our_20s until I’m 100! pic.twitter.com/YZhBcJ4ntE
We haven’t seen all of the girls cry this hard for a win since Talk&Talk… you’ve all worked hard, babies
Let’s make sure it’s only flowery roads from here on
#Like_You_Better_1stwin #fromis_9_14thwin pic.twitter.com/YKGAyz7cDp
Every time we get a music show win I always look back to WE GO era where we fought hard to get that first win and failing. I never saw flovertwt so defeated until that time and fast forward to today we are now celebrating our girls’ 14th win pic.twitter.com/HRGho8wIco
fromis_9’s win marks a fresh start for the group under their new label, stepping out from HYBE’s shadow in a year filled with controversy over the company’s direction. Fans are rallying, hoping for more wins and steady promotions for the group moving forward.
