Ahrin Lee | the hated member

Breaking point

The evening news flickered on, casting a soft, muted glow over Woojin's dim apartment. He sat slouched on his couch, the quiet hum of the television a familiar companion in his otherwise silent life. Since leaving Stray Kids, his days had blurred together, filled with aimless routines and an occasional nostalgic glance at his past. The TV had become background noise, something to drown out the stillness that had taken residence in his home.

He wasn't paying attention at first, eyes half-focused on his phone as he scrolled through social media. But then, a breaking news headline caught his eye—a headline that froze him in place.

"Stray Kids' Youngest Member Ahrin Found Unconscious Near Han River."

His heart stopped. The remote slipped from his hand, clattering to the floor, but he didn't notice. His eyes were glued to the screen as the news anchor continued, voice unnervingly calm for the gravity of what was being said.

"It has been confirmed that Ahrin, the 22-year-old maknae of Stray Kids, was found unconscious in the Han River earlier this evening. Passersby reportedly pulled her from the water before she was rushed to the hospital. Authorities are investigating the incident, and while there has been no official statement, initial reports suggest that the young idol may have jumped into the river in an attempt to take her own life."

Woojin felt a sharp pang in his chest, as if someone had ripped the air from his lungs. His body was numb, frozen in disbelief.

Ahrin.

He remembered when she had joined Stray Kids after his departure. At first, fans had welcomed her with open arms, celebrating the first female member of the group, especially with her incredible talents. She was charismatic, sweet, and had a natural ability to connect with people. He had even thought, Maybe things will be okay. Maybe she'll fit in and make everything better.

But over time, that hope crumbled. He had watched from a distance as the tone shifted—fans turning against her, not because of anything she had done, but because of the unspoken tension brewing within the group. He had seen it in their performances, their interviews, the way the members—his old friends—seemed to distance themselves from her, their smiles less warm, their interactions stiff. The once tight-knit bond that Stray Kids had been known for seemed to splinter, and Ahrin, despite her talents, had become the target of a storm she had never asked for.

Fans weren't blind. They noticed the subtle coldness from the other members. It wasn't long before the rumors started, accusations that she didn't belong, that she was causing problems behind the scenes. But even know the fans and haters ratio was 4:1. But then Seungmin's kick on her live. And the hatred grew, feeding off the icy distance between Ahrin and the boys.

Woojin clenched his fists, his mind racing back to the comments he had seen on social media. Cruel words, harsh accusations—both from strangers and from some of the fans who once adored her.

"Why can't she just leave?"

"She ruined the dynamic."

"She's not one of them."

As much as the fans turned on her, what must have hurt more was the members' rejection. Woojin had been there, he knew the immense pressure and scrutiny they all faced. But Ahrin had borne the brunt of it. Alone.

The news anchor's voice broke through his thoughts, pulling him back to the present.

"According to close sources, Ahrin had been struggling with the weight of constant scrutiny from the public as well as alleged tension within the group. Though nothing has been officially confirmed, rumors have long circulated about a rift between her and the other members, fueling online hate that escalated in recent months."