Hitomi of SAY MY NAME is facing backlash and fierce defense after controversial comments about idols’ “expiration date” went viral.
The first-gen idol, who debuted in Japan at age 12 and was part of IZ*ONE before redebuting with SAY MY NAME, caught attention during a YouTube documentary by popular YouTuber Kian84. The video followed the group’s grueling promotional schedule and included Hitomi’s candid confession about her career mindset.
Hitomi said she believed “idols have an expiration date” and wanted to be active while she was at her “prettiest.” This sparked a heated debate online about ageism in K-pop and J-pop.
Some fans criticized Hitomi’s comment as negative, while many others expressed sadness that she felt this way. Netizens called out the rampant ageist attitudes in the industry and among fans.
“Idols have an expiration date and I wanted to do it while I’m at my prettiest” — Hitomi
Supporters highlighted the full context, noting Hitomi explained why she returned to K-pop despite success in Japan.
People bashing Hiichan definitely didn’t watch the full documentary… Hiichan explained the career choice in detail.
— Tina (@taesecretfan)
Others condemned fans’ harsh treatment of older idols and the double standards they face internationally.
I’m sorry but I’m not about to demonize Hitomi for falling victim to an ageist mindset that is rampant throughout BOTH the kpop and jpop industries.
— xola 𖦹⋆✮ (@kiligpapillon)
it shouldn’t be like this but she’s right and it’s not only korean fans’ fault. international fans be calling idols “hags” as soon as they hit 28
— Andy (@J0J0POSE)
Ya’ll were literally hate on any idol that’s 30+ all sort of names (like ya’ll did to boa a few weeks ago literally). So Ofc most idols feel this way even if most of them don’t speak about it
— ANTIFRAGILE; (@usuallyoffkpop)
The incident is reigniting conversations about how ageism persists in K-pop and the pressure idols feel to maintain youth. Fans and netizens continue monitoring the situation as debates about idol longevity heat up.
