She might be more popular, but that doesn’t mean her Song would’ve done better. She is also not Korean and Koreans prioritize Koreans. I see her future more in China or SEA.
Something that went through my mind right now… I think they probably had plans promoting her more in China, (since she is Korean she wouldn’t have had a problem), but than China got more strict with Idol content and shows and they had to cancel several events.