The well-known publication, GQ Magazine, published an article covering the global K-pop group TXT. Their fans, better known as MOA, initially expressed their happiness, however, they soon became upset over some controversial content that was present in the copy.
They took to social networking platforms such as Twitter and Instagram to express their disappointment with the publication. According to them, the GQ article didn’t do justice to the K-pop group TXT’s reach and used a derogatory term while describing Huening Kai, calling him “The multiracial one.”
TXT fandom MOA demands apology following controversial GQ article
GQ Magazine published an article titled “Tomorrow By Together Are The Future Of K-pop,” which is now edited in light of controversy regarding its content. The article explores the fourth generation global K-pop artist group Tomorrow By Together’s successful career. However, their fans, MOA, complained about journalists’ lack of research and controversial choice of words. According to them, the magazine failed to represent the K-pop idols for who they are.
The fans particularly expressed their anger at the description of all the members. The journalist opened the article with the first impression of the artist as he met them in person. He described them as beautiful, reticent, and with flawless skin. He also added little personal notes in the brackets that became the center of the controversy.
While the journalist described the TXT members as sexy, the best dancer, enthusiastic, and angel, he described Huening Kai as “the multiracial one who makes people laugh.” Fans expressed their dissatisfaction for pointing out the race instead of describing the artist’s other qualities.
The fans who read the article before it was edited also noted the word “Hapa” used to describe someone with mixed heritage. It is historically a derogatory term used to describe someone who is half Hawaiian and half white foreigner.
In addition to that, the article described fans’ fandom activities as “dark art.” MOA expressed anger calling the reference offensive for hinting towards witchcraft and devil worship. They complained about the media’s negative stereotype towards K-pop fans who are often described as mindless worshipers or teenage fanatics.
Even after being edited, the article still refers to Hueing Kai as the multiracial one which according to fans shows a lack of respect and irresponsibility. They have claimed that it cannot be rectified with the edit, hence they are demanding an apology from the magazine.
The leading group of 4th generation K-pop, Tomorrow by Together
In addition to the controversy over the article’s content, fans complained about the accompanying caption. It described the K-pop idols TXT as “The next BTS,” which according to fans, once again places them under the shadow of their senior group.
Tomorrow By Together, sharing the label with BTS, had to constantly live up to the expectations as the successors of the global superstars. The fans defended them, stating that they have worked hard to establish their own identity as the leading artists of fourth generation K-pop and the caption tried to take them back to their pre-debut days.
Currently, there is no official response from GQ magazine over the backlash from TXT fans. They have edited the article, however, fans are insisting on an apology.
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