Weeekly Shin Jiyoon Video Call Controversy: What Really Happened on Camera?
By Maya Lin-Takahashi
IST Entertainment's official communications during this crisis reflected the profound bind mid-tier K-pop agencies encounter when balancing commercial contracts against corporate duty of care. In their August 2021 statement, the agency stated that Jiyoon had been experiencing "intermittent anxiety symptoms during promotions" and that medical professionals advised her to rest. However, her return four months later proved premature, as evidenced by her sudden second withdrawal in February 2022, just days before Play Game: AWAKE dropped on March 7.
When the controversial video call snippets gained traction, the agency opted against issuing a combative clarification directed at malicious commentators. Instead, IST finalized discussions with Jiyoon's family and medical team. The June 1, 2022 press release confirmed the end of her contract, stating clearly: "Shin Jiyoon experienced continuous anxiety symptoms during promotions, and we agreed that focusing on her treatment and recovery must take absolute priority." This confirmed what observant fans had argued throughout the online controversy: the behavior caught on camera was not a disciplinary breach, but the visible symptom of a diagnosed medical emergency.
Maya is a hardware enthusiast who tests and reviews smart home devices, smartphones, wearables, and audio gear. She focuses on practical consumer value and build quality.
