Fans call for boycott of SEVENTEEN film screenings over Israel-Palestine conflict

SEVENTEEN fans are calling for a boycott of the group's film screenings because of suffering in Gaza.

Some SEVENTEEN fans are opposing the upcoming screenings of the group's film, SEVENTEEN TOUR FOLLOW AGAIN, due to concerns over the Israel-Palestine conflict. The film, showcasing clips from SEVENTEEN's concert at the Seoul World Cup Stadium, is set for a limited worldwide release starting August 21. While many fans, known as CARATs, were excited about the chance to experience a SEVENTEEN concert through the film, others are calling for a boycott and cancellation of screenings in Israel.

The call for cancellation is in response to the ongoing war in Palestine. According to Al Jazeera, since October, the death toll in the Gaza Strip has exceeded 39,000, and more than 000 people have been injured due to Israeli attacks. Surviving Palestinians in Gaza are facing severe hardships, including starvation, displacement, and the loss of homes, families, and friends. Many consider Israel to be an "apartheid state" due to its illegal occupation of Palestinian territories. Some Internet users argue that it is immoral for HYBE, SEVENTEEN’s management company, to broadcast the film in Israel, especially during the conflict.

SVT TOUR 'FOLLOW' AGAIN TO CINEMAS

서울월드컵경기장을 가득 메웠던 그날의 감동🥹
✅8/14 국내 개봉, 7/24 국내 예매 오픈

Limited screenings beginning August 21!
Tickets on sale July 23, 6am PDT / 9am EDT
✅https://t.co/CqVokbG556#SEVENTEEN #세븐틴#FOLLOW_AGAIN_TO_CINEMAS pic.twitter.com/LkmDvODij1

— 세븐틴(SEVENTEEN) (@pledis_17) July 16, 2024

In response, CARATs are urging HYBE to cancel screenings in Israel. Internet users are raising awareness through hashtags such as #HYBEDivestFromZionism and #CANCELTRAFALAR, tagging HYBE and Trafalgar, the company managing the screening locations. Many are also sending emails to businesses to spread the word.

So I see isnotreal as a territory for updates 🤨 https://t.co/nEnSFcQ3fL pic.twitter.com/3aN2OQb6cP

— alex🫒 (@PAGEM00N) July 16, 2024

HYBE is facing criticism for its business dealings linked to Zionism and other contentious issues. Previously, BTS fans also called for a boycott of Suga's film due to screenings in Israel.

‼️Hybe's constant recognition of Israel as a legitimate state contributes to their complicity in Zionism, which we should all be against. On top of efforts to cancel the screening of the 'Follow Again' Movie in Israel, attending the movie would contradict the Hybe boycott. + pic.twitter.com/yFPEH4Fmn9

— CARAT FOR PALESTINE 💎🇵🇸 (@CARAT4PALESTINE) July 23, 2024

Fans have expressed their concerns on social media, with one user stating, "It is deeply insensitive to promote a film in Israel while Palestinians are suffering." Another user added, "HYBE should reconsider their decision and show solidarity with those affected by the conflict."