“I was puzzled at first, but…”
It is not unusual for idols to talk about their fans, usually in complimentary or positive ways.
However, an idol-turned-actress recently became a hot topic for doing the exact opposite!
Haruka Shimazaki began her career in 2009, joining the well-known Japanese idol group AKB48. She was popular in the group and ranked highest of all the trainees in the 17th general election.
After graduating from AKB48, she focused on acting and appeared in several movies and dramas, including Fly Me to the Saitama, the 13th highest-grossing movie in Japan in 2019.
Recently, she appeared on a variety show alongside Yuki Kashiwagi, another ex-AKB48 member, where they talked about handshake events. When asked about memorable fans, Shimazaki said she doesn’t “remember at all.”
After the host asked if anyone she liked came to the handshake events, she replied no and added, “among those who like idols, there are no handsome guys.”
While some were shocked by this comment, implying that she called her fans “ugly,” this is actually not a surprise coming from Shimazaki. While she was in AKB48, the phrase “salty treatment” was associated with the star’s cold or apathetic attitude when meeting fans.
Many fans enjoy this type of treatment, even preferring it.
Haruka Shimazaki’s “salty treatment” behavior.
A a forum post about Shimazaki’s response, netizens saw this as usual behavior for Paruru, the idol’s nickname.
Paruru fans all know and love her for that personality, lol.
It’s Paruru, lol. No need to be seriously upset, lol.
Haruka’s salty response? Isn’t she famous for that? lol
I was puzzled at first, but seeing it’s Paruru, I understand… That friend is truly consistent.
Paruru consistently gained popularity with that personality.
