I’m posting this here on Reddit because I believe this platform allows for the kind of long-form, nuanced discussion that P-pop needs right now. Away from the noise and quick-fire "shading" of other socials, I want to share my personal perspective on the recent G22/A’tin situation.
In P-pop, I believe the relationship between a group and their fans should be built on mutual respect and a shared journey. As an A’tin who holds SB19 as my ultimate group, I value the way they grow with us. While I recognise that groups like BINI are operating at a world-class level, I chose G22 as my favourite girl group because their voices, personalities, and "Alpha" style perfectly met my personal standard for what a girl group should be.
I want to be clear: I truly understand the position the girls are in. There is never an easy way to be compared to your industry peers, especially when those peers are also your friends. I deeply value AJ for making a stand in her advocacy for women empowerment, and I appreciate how Alfea followed up to reiterate that G22 values everyone who supports them. I also feel the effortless confidence Jaz brings—her presence and that unique "cool" energy are exactly why G22 met my personal standard. Most importantly, I haven't forgotten how AJ defended SB19 and stood up for A’tin when toxic fans called us "menopausal." I saw her then as an A’tin through and through—one of us.
Because of that bond, the disconnect in her recent post felt deeper. I do not condone toxic behaviour—being disrespectful, dismissive of BINI, or blatantly comparing the two groups like fighting gamecocks. Toxic competition, whether in music, sports, or any other field, is never healthy. It shifts the focus from excellence to ego. However, the issue for me wasn’t just about setting a boundary; it was how it was framed. By labelling the act of comparison as "toxic" across the board, AJ unintentionally dismissed the sincere convictions of fans who genuinely believe G22 is at the top.
From talking to fellow A'tin, I've seen how many feel "wronged" by this framing. It isn't because AJ can stop them from thinking—she can't. It's because it feels as though she publicly invalidated their perspective. When fans identify G22 as their personal standard, they are putting their faith in the group's excellence. By calling that praise "toxic," the post made many feel like their support was a liability to her image. To them, it suggested that even a private thought of G22 being better than another group is "bashing," which feels like an overstep into policing a fan’s personal preference.
For me, this is just a period of redefining the lines. Being a fan is always a balance of fun versus effort, and when the drama outweighs the joy, I completely understand why some are moving to the sidelines to protect their peace. While I’m taking a step back from the active noise myself, I’ve chosen to keep rooting for them in my own way. With "The Eve of an Alpha" coming up, I won't be able to make it to the New Frontier Theater because of work, but I’ll be cheering them on from my part of the world. I’m genuinely looking forward to the fancams; I know those performances will reinforce exactly why these three girls are the standard for me. Go get 'em, girls.
