Straykids 9th member || female reader || requested

Debut

The day of our debut finally arrived. we took the stage together, performing our high-energy song "District 9".
The crowd went wild, and our music video racked up millions of views in just a few days.

But with success comes hate. Korean netizens began to criticize me, saying I didn't fit the traditional K-pop idol standard. They made comments about my dark complexion, saying I was "too dark" to be a K-pop star.

I had expected this. I knew that Korea's beauty standards often favored lighter skin, and I had prepared myself for the hate. So when I saw the comments, I just smiled.

I smiled brightly for the cameras, but inside, I was hurting. The constant comments about my dark skin were taking a toll. "You're too dark to be a K-pop idol." "You don't fit the mold."

I had expected it, but that didn't make it easier. Sometimes, it felt like I was living a lie, pretending to be okay when I wasn't.

But I knew I had to put on a brave face. For my members, for myself. I couldn't let the haters bring me down.