I think that's not a very good ideology to have, because firstly, it's not an idol's fault if they're popular. And being promoted and doing promotions is their job.
Also, trends die out quickly and before you know it, people have already moved on to the newer, more shinier idol.
There are so many idols who are/were 'mismanaged' (NOT mistreated, i think there's a difference) and because of a lack of opportunities, are missing out on even more…
But since they somehow manage to keep their popularity, it's seen as justfied. Or, they are very popular and doing whatever they can to solidify it, but are being chased by rabid angry fans for doing so.
And it's partly because of Bae Suzy lmao
Everyone is traumatised from her situation and is forever calling groups, '× and friends'. It's different if literally nobody cares but a company is tirelessly pushing a member, or if a group is lowkey breaking apart because of it. But I don't get why popular members in already popular groups are still expected to drain their own popularity when they get opportunities.
Ryujin (ITZY) is an example. How do you give the 2nd most popular member AND center… only 15 solo schedules in a whole year…? (And before that, less than 10). But fans justify it by saying since she's already popular enough, it's good for the other members to get (the iconic line) 'more time to shine!'.
Wonyoung is another example. A lot of people used to say she should take on less activities, dress more coordinated, to let the other members have their moment to shine. When all that was needed was for the other members to get comfortable as idols and 'shine' as themselves (even if i think they all look like 6 genres of wony lmao).
I also see this with Yeonjun (TXT), but the other members were already quite popular from the very beginning. I saw this happen to Karina from debut too. Although I agree she was pushed as aespa's 'face', she IS aespa's face and I think it's great she gets opportunities to show it off- while the other 3 ALSO do
Basically: popular idols don't need to restrict the amount of activities they do with the reasoning that they are popular and that the others should take them on instead.
But I guess it's different if it's affects the member/s personally and their activities as a group behind the scenes, which is really what went 'wrong' with Suzy.
Anyways,
Thoughts?