A growing number of ARTMS fans are publicly voicing concern after the group announced a new collaboration with Abstract Chain, a blockchain-based platform.
Back in July it was unveiled that Modhaus's fan engagement platform Cosmo would launch on the Abstract blockchain.
On November 18 via two posts introducing the collaboration and hinting at upcoming activities tied to the platform. Not long after the announcement, members of the group’s fandom—OURII—began organizing online to express opposition, rallying under the hashtag #Ourii_Against_Abstract_Chain.
The backlash reflects a broader conversation happening in K-pop spaces around the introduction of blockchain, cryptocurrency, and NFT-adjacent technologies into fandom communities. While companies often promote these partnerships as innovative fan-engagement opportunities, many fans remain apprehensive, citing environmental impact concerns, potential financial risks, and the fear of bringing predatory or opportunistic behavior into their fandom cultures.
Fan Concerns: “We Don’t Want Crypto in Our Fandom”
Since ARTMS’ announcement, the hashtag #Ourii_Against_Abstract_Chain has trended among international fans, who point to several specific concerns. Many OURII are worried that involvement with a crypto-based platform could pressure fans—particularly younger ones—to engage with or financially invest in blockchain products they may not fully understand.
Others highlight the history of scam-adjacent activity within the crypto space more broadly, and the possibility that such partnerships attract non-fan outsiders who disrupt the community. Several fans shared that they simply do not want speculative financial systems tied to their support for the group.
There is also the issue of lack of transparency. Fans have expressed that the announcement did not clearly explain what the collaboration entails, who benefits from it, or whether fans are expected to participate financially in any way.
A Precedent From tripleS: Déjà Vu for Modhaus Fans
This is not the first time fans of a Modhaus-managed group have pushed back against an Abstract Chain collaboration. tripleS, another girl group under the same company, announced their partnership with the platform earlier this year. At the time, many WAVs (tripleS’ fandom) raised similar concerns, particularly around the type of audience the partnership brought in.
Screenshots circulated of behavior that fans described as disruptive or inconsiderate of K-pop fandom norms, with some accusing outside crypto communities of entering WAV spaces solely for speculative gains rather than genuine support for the group. Other screenshots depicted disturbing memes involving the group members shared among the crypto enthusiasts. The experience left a lingering sense of distrust among fans, which has now surfaced again with ARTMS.
Many fans emphasize that their pushback is not directed at ARTMS themselves, but rather at the company decision—stressing that they want the members protected from potential controversy or negative associations.
What This Means for the Industry
The ARTMS–Abstract Chain situation is part of a growing pattern in K-pop where entertainment companies experiment with blockchain-based fan engagement models. Some companies argue that these technologies offer new ways to deepen fan interaction, fan participation, and support group activities. However, the reaction from OURII and previous pushback from WAVs highlight a crucial reality: not all fan communities feel comfortable or safe with the introduction of crypto-linked systems.
As more K-pop groups navigate these partnerships, transparency, fan consultation, and ethical considerations will likely become increasingly important. For now, fans continue to ask companies to prioritize the safety, comfort, and preferences of the fandoms that support their artists.
ARTMS is bringing the ultimate K-pop experience to @AbstractChain.
— Official ARTMS (@official_artms) November 18, 2025
Collect & vote for your favorite K-pop idol.#ARTMS #아르테미스 pic.twitter.com/OutTvhAUiD