Junior Idol Group ACEes Faces Backlash During YouTube Filming, Restaurant Steps In to Clarify

The controversial restaurant roulette (dining roulette project)

Junior in-group “ACEes” under STARTO ENTERTAINMENT conducted a location shoot in Kyoto for a YouTube channel project. One segment, filmed at restaurants, sparked controversy, with viewers criticizing the group and YouTube staff, saying things like “It must be a nuisance for the restaurants.” Amid the backlash, help reportedly came from the parties involved.

ACEes hosts the Saturday slot on the “Junior CHANNEL,” which features multiple junior performers. From the October 11 episode, they began the post-tour reward trip for their concert tour that ran until August.

The first stop was Kyoto, where the members decided which of two restaurants to visit for breakfast by spinning a roulette wheel—this restaurant roulette segment became controversial.

Restaurants that weren’t chosen reportedly waited even though they were outside business hours. Member Ryusei Fukada (23) is shown calling one such restaurant to apologize, a scene included in the video.

In the November 1 episode, they again used a roulette to decide between two Kyoto sweets shops, “Gion Tokuya” and “Gion Kinana.” When Tobu Ukisho (23) lost and had to call “Gion Kinana,” he explained the situation, while the other members bowed apologetically on camera.

This roulette format had been used previously during a location shoot in Fukuoka.

“In the July 19 episode, a caption noted, ‘There is a possibility of same-day cancellations we appreciate your understanding,’ and ‘Even the unvisited restaurants will be included in some footage.’ Later, a popular ramen shop was used in a roulette segment. When Ryuto Sakuma (23) called to apologize, a caption read, ‘The project initiator experiences the difficulty firsthand.’

The unchosen restaurant, ‘Hakata Ramen ShinShin,’ waited even though it was outside business hours. After the staff responded disappointedly on the phone, an awkward atmosphere followed on site, and ACEes members expressed their genuine frustration, saying things like, ‘So tough!’ and ‘This is harsh!’” (Entertainment reporter)

Some viewers, after watching the videos, posted on X (formerly Twitter):

“ACEes’ YouTube roulette project with two restaurants I feel like it’s a huge nuisance for the restaurants, and it’s uncomfortable to watch.”

“I stopped watching because the scene where they call the restaurants to decline is upsetting. Hearing disappointed staff is too painful.”

“The members themselves say sorry in the videos, and fans have criticized it before—this project should end soon.”

These comments reflect the negative reception from some viewers.

In response to the controversy, the restaurant spoke out

As the negative reactions spread, the news site Smart FLASH published an article on November 5 titled, “ACEes Members’ YouTube Project Sparks Viewer Backlash: ‘Completely Annoying and a Moral Problem,’ ‘Restaurant Cancellations’ Cause Stir.” The piece also appeared on Yahoo! News, highlighting criticism directed at ACEes and the YouTube staff, including complaints such as rude behavior and nothing but a nuisance.

Amid this, on November 14, the Kyoto restaurant that was not selected, Gion Kinana, posted a video on Instagram. According to the restaurant’s owner, they learned about the ACEes YouTube stir through a contact.

The owner explained, “Some people seemed to be protesting on our behalf,” while noting that the project’s intentions had been communicated in advance, including that it was uncertain whether their restaurant would appear in the video. Beyond the phone scene shown in the video, they later received an apology message from the ACEes team.

Additionally, because the restaurant’s products were shown in the video, some customers reportedly visited saying, “I didn’t win the roulette, but I wanted to see it,” and online orders also came in, resulting in a net positive effect.

The owner added, “So we really don’t mind at all—it’s actually something we appreciate.” Expressing gratitude to those concerned, they urged, “Let’s not make a big deal out of this; let’s keep things calm.”

On social media, ACEes fans were impressed by Gion Kinana’s considerate response. Comments in the video section included people declaring plans to visit the restaurant or reporting that they had ordered products online.

It’s important to note that the restaurant itself did not publicly express dissatisfaction with the project; the uproar was driven by some fans and viewers, eventually involving a wider online audience.

Nevertheless, because this type of project can place a burden on restaurants, there is room for improvement—such as splitting the group to visit both restaurants—so that the project is more considerate in the future.