Fact Check: Did Rain Really Receive A Black Ocean And Get Booed At “KCON LA 2023?”

By kpoppo on August 21, 2023

KCON LA 2023: Rain Takes the Stage

The highly anticipated KCON LA 2023 recently concluded, leaving fans in awe of the incredible performances and memorable moments. One of the featured performers and emcees at the event was none other than Rain, also known as Jung Jihoon. With a career spanning over two decades, Rain has established himself as a prominent figure in the K-pop industry.

Rain: A Multifaceted Talent

Rain's journey in the entertainment industry began in 1998, and since then, he has achieved immense success as a solo artist and actor. Known for his mesmerizing stage presence and powerful vocals, Rain has captivated audiences worldwide. His contributions to the industry extend beyond his own career, as he is also the CEO of RAIN Company.

Ciipher's Disappointing Journey

One of the notable aspects of Rain's involvement in KCON LA 2023 was his connection to Ciipher, the first group under RAIN Company. However, fans of the group were left disappointed when Rain's participation in the event overshadowed Ciipher's promotion. This disappointment stems from the perception that Rain's focus on his own activities hindered the group's growth and exposure.

Adding to the disappointment, four members of Ciipher, namely Tan, Tag, Dohwan, and Won, recently announced their departure from the group. Despite this setback, the remaining three members are determined to continue their individual activities and regroup as a new team in the future.

Frustration and Calls for Change

The dissatisfaction with Rain's handling of Ciipher is not an isolated incident. Many K-pop fans believe that Rain's management decisions have negatively impacted other groups as well. This frustration has led to the proposal of a "black ocean" protest, where attendees turn off their lightsticks during an artist's performance as a form of organized protest.

Supporters of Ciipher and other affected groups have taken to social media to express their discontent and call for justice. They argue that Rain should prioritize the promotion and support of the artists under his label, rather than focusing solely on his own endeavors.

"WTF? HE HAS THE AUDACITY TO JOIN THE KCON BUT CAN'T EVEN PROMOTE THE ONLY GROUP HE HANDLES? CIIPHER SHOULD HAVE BEEN IN YOUR POSITION."

- 똥강아지 ❀ will be back! (@for_mywon)

"He should be making sure Ciipher attended these events instead, especially with Keita's popularity in Boys Planet, but that is a personal opinion..."

- Fernanda Siepierski (@nandasiepi)

A Plea for Change at KCON

The frustration towards Rain's management decisions extends beyond Ciipher. Fans of various K-pop groups have joined forces to advocate for change and demand fair treatment for all artists. They urge attendees of KCON events to participate in the "black ocean" protest as a way to send a powerful message to Rain and other industry figures.

"To everyone at KCON: it doesn't matter who you stan. It doesn't matter who you're there to support. When Rain is on stage, lightsticks off. Black ocean. He ruined the dreams of these boys, and he will know that's not okay. #JusticeForCiipher #KCON"

- mocha is seeing LOOSSEMBLE (@winxyeojin)

Despite the controversies surrounding Rain's management decisions, his presence at KCON LA 2023 undoubtedly left a lasting impact. As fans continue to voice their concerns and push for change, the future of Ciipher and other affected groups remains uncertain. The K-pop community eagerly awaits developments and hopes for a more equitable and supportive environment within the industry.

Source: Koreaboo