Even as the dust settles on recent drama controversies, the fervor surrounding "Lovely Runner" refuses to wane.

From bustling pop-up stores to chart-topping OST albums and coveted script books, fans of the drama have found themselves spoilt for choice.

However, a recent announcement by withmuu regarding a special DRAMA OST SPECIAL EVENT has left the fan community divided.

In an attempt to further capitalize on the drama's success, withmuu unveiled plans for a special event exclusively available to fans purchasing the OST album at the Seoul pop-up store.

The event promised two random photo cards out of a set of 11 for every album purchased, along with a mini L holder.

While some fans eagerly anticipated the chance to snag exclusive merchandise, others were less enthusiastic.

A wave of backlash swept through social media platforms, with many expressing disappointment and frustration.

Primary source of contention stemmed from the event's exclusivity to the Seoul location, leaving fans who had pre-ordered the albums feeling marginalized.

Netizens took to platforms like Twitter and theqoo to voice their grievances.

Many criticized withmuu for prioritizing profits over fan satisfaction, calling for the event to be extended to online purchasers as well.

Some speculated whether the delay in pre-sale shipments was linked to the allocation of merchandise for the event, further fueling resentment.

HERE ARE SOME OF THE NETIZENS' REACTIONS:

"It's all about money for them. Why not make this available online too?

"They're treating pre-sale buyers like losers. This isn't fair."

"We're a drama fandom, not an idol fandom,"

"Why are they selling photo cards like we're fans of some K-pop group?"

"Not even an 'M! Countdown' performance, yet they're selling photo cards? This is absurd,"

Despite the controversy, "Lovely Runner" continues to enjoy unwavering popularity, with fans eagerly awaiting each new development.

As withmuu navigates the delicate balance between fan engagement and commercial interests, only time will tell whether this latest event will leave a lasting impact on the drama's dedicated following.

For now, the divide among fans serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics at play within the realm of fandom culture, where passion and commerce often collide.

Stay tuned for further updates on "Lovely Runner" and its dedicated fanbase.

KDramaStars owns this article
Written by Joan Cabigas