KATSEYE’s Lara is facing backlash for showering with underage member Yoonchae after the 2025 Kids’ Choice Awards slime attack.
The controversy began during a post-show livestream with members Sophia, Lara, and Yoonchae. Lara and Yoonchae revealed they ended up showering together to clean off the slime. Yoonchae is 17, Lara is 19.
Some fans expressed concern about the age gap and the appropriateness of the situation, noting Yoonchae’s “visible discomfort.”
Lara: But I was like ‘Can I come in with you?’
Yoonchae: You didn’t say that!
Lara: No but I was like hoping that you’d be like ‘Just come in!’ Because I know you don’t get down like that. (laughs)
Yoonchae: Yeah because I don’t really like exposing myself (laughs)
Lara clarified later in the live that they showered “back to back,” with no inappropriate contact.
So Yoonchae gets in the shower and now we’re like back to back showering…
— KATSEYE’s Lara
Online reactions quickly heated up. Critics emphasized Lara is an adult while Yoonchae is still a minor.
Lara is almost 20 and yoonchae is a minor..
— jia (@kebabjiaa)
Its one thing for two little girls to shower together but its another… Yoonchae said she was uncomfortable with it, so its weird of Lara to still do it
— ALIA (@twisted2101)
yoonchae is a minor and lara is not btw
— Fae (@MissKittins)
On the flip side, many fans defended Lara, highlighting her clear boundaries and the lighthearted nature of the moment.
“almost 20” she’s 19. “a minor” she’s 17. but when you put it that way it doesn’t sound as predatory so let’s exaggerate for the likes
— ericeffiorg (@ericeffiorg)
I’m just letting yall know right now Lara stated her boundaries with YOONCHAE IN THAT LIVE 5 times. SHE MADE A LIGHTHEARTEF JOKE.
— sofia ♡ loves lara is gnarly (@lara1stfan)
literally 90% of kpop groups have showered together at least once but y’all wouldn’t be making such a big deal if lara was straight
— alex (@irenelosopher)
Many believe the backlash is overblown, especially given Lara’s past experiences with unwarranted criticism after coming out as queer.
The situation remains under discussion as fandoms debate the intentions and boundaries involved.
