Knetz vs SEAblings Viral! Here are the Causes, Chronology, and Call to Boycott Korean Dramas

Kapanlagi.com - The online world is abuzz with the intense feud between Knetz, the nickname for South Korean netizens, and SEAblings, the term for Southeast Asian netizens. This conflict began from an incident at a K-Pop concert that escalated into a digital war. This debate highlights not only concert etiquette but also issues of racism, cultural attacks, and national pride.

What initially started as a minor dispute at the DAY6 K-Pop concert on January 31, 2026, has now become a cross-national controversy on platform X (formerly Twitter). Netizens from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam united as SEAblings. They collectively responded to racist and derogatory comments from some Knetz.

This incident demonstrates how dynamics of power and respect in global pop culture can trigger strong collective reactions. This conflict also reflects deeper cultural and economic tensions within the K-Pop ecosystem, which is often seen as a unifying force among people.

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1. The Beginning of the Feud Between Knetz and SEAblings: From Concerts to Digital Warfare

Day6 in Malaysia (credit: Instagram/day6kilogram)

The feud between Knetz and SEAblings began with an incident at the K-Pop group DAY6 concert in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on January 31, 2026. Some Korean fans affiliated with fan communities (fansites) brought professional cameras with telephoto lenses to the event, despite the organizers prohibiting such equipment in the concert area. This action obstructed the view of local attendees, sparking protests on social media.

The response from some Knetz then turned into verbal attacks that were deemed derogatory towards Southeast Asian communities, including racist comments targeting physical appearance, economic conditions, and culture. Southeast Asian netizens united and formed an alliance called "SEAblings" (a combination of SEA/Southeast Asia and Siblings) to combat the racist comments from Knetz. The countries involved included Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

2. Indonesia Involved in the Intense Conflict of Knetz vs SEAblings

NO NA (credit: Instagram/nonawav)

Indonesia has become one of the most active countries in the Knetz vs SEAblings feud. Indonesian netizens are known to be very vocal and active in defending Southeast Asia amid this conflict. This involvement demonstrates the strength of digital solidarity in the Southeast Asian region against discrimination.

One of the main triggers was racist comments from Knetz specifically targeting Indonesia's culture and economic conditions. Indonesian actor Baskara Mahendra and the girl group NO NA were caught up in this feud and became the subject of mockery by some Knetz, which sparked outrage among Indonesian netizens.

Indonesian netizens were also vocal in speaking out after the girl group NO NA was said to not have the budget to make a music video and had to shoot in a rice field area. This also became a driving force of conversation on social media platforms such as X, Instagram, and TikTok.

3. Racist Comments from Knetz Targeting Indonesia

Racist comments from Knetz targeting Indonesia have sparked significant outrage. A striking example is the mockery of the music video from the Indonesian idol group "No Na" which features scenes in a rice field. A Korean netizen mocked the video with a derogatory comment, questioning why they had to shoot in a rice field.

Knetz also made comments that equate Southeast Asian women, particularly Indonesians, with monkeys and backwardness. These negative comments target the physical appearance of Southeast Asians who naturally have darker skin. This shows how high prosperity does not always correlate with the quality of humanity.

4. Funny SEAblings Memes: Humor as a Weapon Against Knetz

Knetz vs SEAblings meme (credit:X/taetaei4bear)

The Knetz vs SEAblings feud has triggered a flood of funny and satirical memes across various social media platforms, especially X, Instagram, and TikTok. Instead of responding with anger, SEAblings, particularly Indonesian netizens, chose the path of satire and humor "asbun" (random sound) that invites laughter. These memes also highlight Knetz's dependence on plastic surgery, comparing it to the "natural beauty" of Southeast Asia.

Examples of viral memes include the response "English with a Korean accent" when Knetz hesitated to reply in English. When Indonesia was referred to as a "blackout country," netizens responded with a video set to the song "Seperti Mati Lampu" by King Nassar. These memes not only serve as responses but also strengthen solidarity among SEAblings and showcase their regional pride.

5. Global Solidarity: Countries Supporting SEAblings Against Knetz

The Knetz vs SEAblings conflict has escalated to attract attention and support from countries outside Southeast Asia. Japanese and Chinese netizens have reportedly joined in supporting SEAblings. India, Pakistan, and several Arab countries are also among those supporting SEAblings.

There are reports that netizens from Brazil and Mexico have also joined in supporting SEAblings. This support mainly arises because they see Knetz oppressing Filipino netizens. This solidarity demonstrates how issues of racism can unite various digital communities around the world.

6. Japan and China: Why Are They Not Taking Sides with Knetz?

Japanese and Chinese netizens have a history of tension and conflict with South Korea, which makes them less likely to side with Knetz. The relationship between Japan and South Korea is often strained due to historical issues, such as Japan's colonization of Korea and the issue of "comfort women" during World War II. China also has sensitive issues with South Korea, including cultural and political claims.

When Knetz made racist comments towards SEAblings, Japanese and Chinese netizens may have seen this as an opportunity to show solidarity against racism. They may also feel that K-Pop is often perceived as superior, and this conflict becomes an opportunity to challenge that narrative. This is an example of how history and cultural perceptions can influence alliances in the digital world.

7. Call for Boycott of K-Pop and Dramas: Strong Response to Knetz

As a result of the conflict between Knetz and SEAblings, a call and movement for a boycott targeting South Korean products and culture has emerged. SEAblings netizens, especially from Indonesia, are urging a boycott of Korean dramas (drakor) and K-Pop music. This boycott call has also extended to other Korean cultural products.

The impact on South Korea's tourism industry has also been reported as disrupted. In addition to the boycott, there are also reports of "attacks" on Korean influencers who are live streaming and receiving one-star ratings on Google Maps. Although this call has gone viral, some sources state that the impact is still felt more in the online world.

8. Impact and Reflection on the Knetz vs SEAblings Conflict

The Knetz vs SEAblings conflict highlights issues of online racism and the importance of regional solidarity. This digital war is a real illustration of how social media can amplify issues into cross-national polemics. It also shows how a small incident can escalate into a larger regional identity issue.

Although some Knetz have condemned racism from their side and apologized, this conflict has sparked broader discussions about online racism. This phenomenon serves as an example of how social media can become a battleground for identity and pride, as well as a platform for creative expression and solidarity. This conflict reminds us that social media is not just a space for entertainment, but also an arena for identity formation that can significantly influence inter-regional relationships.

9. FAQ related to the Knetz vs SEAblings feud

1. What are Knetz and SEAblings?
Knetz refers to Korean netizens, while SEAblings refers to netizens or fans from Southeast Asia who are active on social media, especially regarding entertainment and fandom issues.

2. What is the main cause of the Knetz vs SEAblings feud?
The feud is usually triggered by differing opinions related to K-pop idols, cultural issues, nationalism, or comments deemed derogatory towards one side. Conflicts often escalate due to going viral on platforms like X (Twitter) and TikTok.

3. Where does the Knetz vs SEAblings conflict most often occur?
The conflict most frequently arises on social media platforms such as X (Twitter), TikTok, Instagram, and online community forums discussing K-pop or Korean dramas.

4. Does the Knetz vs SEAblings conflict impact the entertainment industry?
Indirectly, yes. Opinion wars can affect an artist's reputation, trigger digital boycotts, and influence global sentiment towards a fandom or entertainment project.

(kpl/noi)