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6 min read
TXT Soobin’s controversy has taken an unexpected turn, with some fans questioning whether there could be a corporate motive behind the alleged smear campaign with SM Entertainment gaining spotlight.
TXT leader Soobin has found himself at the centre of a disturbing online controversy after sexually explicit images allegedly involving the K-pop idol began circulating on Chinese social media. While fans have challenged the authenticity of the material, a Chinese livestreamer’s remarks and a discovery about his alleged professional connections have now triggered a fresh wave of speculation.
The controversy has taken a new turn as fans investigate the livestreamer’s alleged corporate connections, fuelling speculation about a possible motive behind the rumours targeting Soobin. Some have pointed fingers at SM Entertainment, but is there any credible evidence linking the agency to the allegations?
TXT Soobin’s ‘gay’ controversy: What are the allegations?
In October 2026, claims emerged on Chinese social media alleging that Soobin had used a gay dating app to pursue a casual relationship. Posts circulating online included photographs purportedly showing the TXT leader with an unidentified man, with some of the material containing sexually explicit imagery.
A Chinese livestreamer named Jeremy Yang claimed to have had a personal relationship with Soobin and shared unverified video footage and chat logs. The material fuelled further speculation, while graphic images purportedly involving the idol also began spreading online.
However, the allegations remain unverified, and Soobin has never publicly stated his sexual orientation. Fans examining the circulating material pointed to apparent inconsistencies, including missing moles on the arm, mismatched hair colours compared with recent tour appearances and unfamiliar electrical outlets. They argued that these discrepancies suggested the images were AI-generated deepfakes.
Chinese livestreamer’s remarks raise more questions
The controversy took another turn when a male influencer, alleged to be connected to the circulating material, addressed the issue during a livestream. Although he did not explicitly name Soobin, he reportedly claimed that the explicit images were screenshots taken from a video and suggested that the incident was not an isolated occurrence.
The livestreamer also allegedly said he did not initially know that Soobin was an idol. However, fans investigating his identity claimed to have discovered information suggesting that he followed the TXT member, prompting further questions about his statement.
Regarding Soobin’s rumor, the male influencer who allegedly posted the photo keeps making vague and ambiguous comments on his livestreams. This influencer previously studied abroad in Korea. During a stream, he claimed he didn’t know Soobin was an idol at the time, that they were dating, and that the screenshot came from a video he filmed. BIGHIT, if you actually care about your artist, please do something!! @BIGHIT_MUSIC @TXT_members @HYBEOFFICIALtwt #SOOBIN #TXT #투바투 #투모로우바이투게더 #수빈 #최수빈
— Pop Bee (@PopBeeee) October 21, 2026
Neither the livestreamer’s claims nor the material circulating online independently establishes that Soobin was involved in the alleged events. Nevertheless, the apparent inconsistencies and questions surrounding the livestream have kept the controversy alive across social media.
Is SM Entertainment linked to Soobin’s controversy? Fans point to Kakao
The speculation escalated after Chinese netizens reportedly uncovered information suggesting that the livestreamer works for a company affiliated with Kakao Corporation. The alleged professional connection quickly became a talking point among fans attempting to understand how the controversy began.
Kakao is SM Entertainment’s largest shareholder, holding approximately 41% of the agency’s shares. That corporate relationship prompted some fans on X (formerly Twitter) to draw a connection between the alleged workplace affiliation and the rumours targeting Soobin, who belongs to HYBE subsidiary BIGHIT MUSIC.
chinese netizens discovered that the guy who went live works at a company affiliated with kakao Corporation,which is the largest investor in sm entertainment,owning 41% of SM’s shares, he said on the live that he didn’t know soobin was an idol, but it turns out he followed him https://t.co/D9XVDMk93E
— moamuse 𖣘🌪️ PERFECTSTORM (@moamusee) October 21, 2026
Some have consequently questioned whether the controversy could be connected to corporate rivalry between the entertainment companies. However, the theory remains speculation. There is no verified evidence establishing that the livestreamer acted on behalf of Kakao or that SM Entertainment was involved in creating or spreading the allegations against Soobin.
Old SM Entertainment viral marketing allegations resurface
As speculation spread, fans began revisiting reports published in 2024 concerning SM Entertainment’s alleged use of an outside public relations and viral marketing agency during its management dispute with HYBE.
TenAsia previously published an exclusive report alleging that SM Entertainment had hired an external agency called Astraphe, also referred to as Astrafe, around February 2023. The report described an alleged Telegram chat room called “St”, in which SM executives and employees reportedly coordinated with agency staff on online public opinion campaigns during the dispute.
yeah let’s not forget how shady sm has always been, the guy who went live works at a company affiliated with kakao, sm’s largest investor with a 41% stake, claimed he didn’t know soobin was an idol, yet he was literally following him. make it make sense https://t.co/zX5XaVzlmr
— moamuse 𖣘🌪️ PERFECTSTORM (@moamusee) October 21, 2026
According to the report, the alleged PR directives included generating negative talking points about HYBE, drawing comparisons with former or mismanaged groups associated with the company, including GFriend and NU’EST, suggesting that reSM artists would refuse to renew their contracts
SM Entertainment denied illegal or improper wrongdoing, maintaining that its actions were legitimate communication efforts intended to protect the company during what it described as a hostile takeover bid.
The earlier report has now become part of the online discussion surrounding Soobin, with some fans citing it as a reason to question whether corporate interests could be involved in the current controversy. However, the historical allegations do not establish any connection between SM Entertainment and the material targeting the TXT leader.
BIGHIT MUSIC announces legal action over Soobin rumours
Amid the growing controversy, BIGHIT MUSIC issued an official legal statement on October 22, 2026, confirming that it was collecting evidence of false information and malicious rumours circulating on domestic and international platforms.
The agency announced that it would pursue strict legal action against those responsible for creating and distributing defamatory and fabricated content targeting its artist, with zero leniency or settlements.
[Notice] 아티스트 권익 침해 관련 법적 대응 안내 (10.22) (+ENG/JPN/CHN)https://t.co/s4xMZAXfmf
— TXT OFFICIAL (@TXT_bighit) October 22, 2026
The statement marks a significant response to the online speculation, particularly as fans continue to challenge the authenticity of the explicit material and call for accountability over its distribution.
For now, the alleged Kakao connection and the renewed discussion surrounding SM Entertainment remain separate from any verified findings about the controversy. While fans continue to question the circumstances surrounding the livestreamer’s claims, no official or independently verified evidence has established that SM Entertainment was involved in the allegations against Soobin.
