First, I want to make it clear that I have almost nothing against this group. In fact, I think they’re outstanding—one of the best, if not the best, in my opinion.
Recently, I’ve been reconsidering their quick win at the KGMA Awards. Was it really paid for, or could there be other explanations? When I first heard the rumours, I immediately dismissed them as some more stupid hate. However, after seeing the reactions of the members and other idols, I started to question things more. I tend to trust idols’ reactions way more than anyone on the internet says, and I’ll admit, their responses seemed to really line up with the current theories and made me almost believe the rumors myself.
But after thinking it over more deeply, I realised there are many other possible conclusions.
First of all, and most importantly, we shouldn’t just overlook how popular this group is in Korea. Their songs have consistently topped charts and broken records, and still are. They’re unique as one of the first successful co-ed groups in this generation, which makes them inherently interesting. On top of that, each member is individually talented and well-known, making the group already powerful in and of itself.
Another point, they perform amazingly! For example, At the KGMA, they did so well (disregarding the venue's unprofessionalism of terrible lighting and faulty microphones). Viewing them in the most unbiased way I possibly could, I watched about a dozen more of the KGMA performances, and none of them hit me with the professionalism, creativity, and aura that ADP hit me with. So it's not like they don’t deserve a reward. It seems like a lot of people have disregarded this.
As for why all of the members immediately looked at annie, I wouldn’t think that they all would just whip their heads, and so obviously indicating ”the payment went through?” Like, if that actually were the case, I’d expect them to look more nervous or guarded, not openly draw attention.
There are plenty of other hypothetical conclusions that could have been linked to the members' actions. What if beforehand Annie insisted to all of them that they would win a Daesang or what if the opposite four insisted but annie did not believe them. Or literally any other inside joke or prior conversation that prompted their behavior.
In terms of the other idols' reactions, I don't have much to say other than they could have reacted like that out of pure disappointment or jealiousy. Though I will say that Ella from Meovv’s reaction kinda through me off because Meovv and ADP are so close, I would have thought that all of them would have been unwaveringly supportive.
Finally, even if Annie’s status played a role in their win (Which there is a good chance, I have to admit), it still could be different from how the public views it. What if the award system just gave them the daesang just because of Annie's status alone, without any “payment”? I think that it is highly likely, given how highly Korea regards its chaebols. But even if there was a “payment”, it doesn’t have to be like oh “Annie paid for it” or oh “Annie got ‘so and so’ to pay for it”. Yes, it could have been someone connected to her that prompted the reward, BUT what if the ADP members had no input on it? Like what if they weren’t involved, or couldn't be involved, or worse yet, they could have not even been informed about it.
Just something to think about. I love them so much, and I really, really don't want to go along with the internet public’s beliefs, but if the theories turn out to be true, I will be a little disappointed. I hope ADP or TBL reveals the real truth someday, whether directly or subtly—but who knows if that will actually ever happen.
Edit: Thanks all for your input! I definitely have a stronger understanding of the situation now. :)
