TXT Heuning Kai GQ Magazine Fans demand apology article controversy Tomorrow by Togetherer
K-pop Idols Tomorrow By Together (Image courtesy of BigHit)

The well-known GQ magazine published an article covering the global K-pop group TXT. Their fans, better known as MOA, initially expressed their happiness upon the article, however, they soon felt disappointed about some of the article’s controversial content.

They took to social networking sites such as Twitter and Instagram to express their disappointment with the publication. According to them the GQ article didn’t do justice to the reach of the K-pop group TXT and used a derogatory term while describing Huening Kai calling him ‘The multiracial one.’

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 4th generation global K-pop artist 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 meets them in person. He describes them as beautiful, reticent, and with flawless skin. He also adds little personal notes in the brackets which 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 its editing 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 complain about the media’s negative stereotype towards Kpop fans who are often described as mindless worshipers or teenage fanatics.

Even after the editing the article still refers to Hueing Kai as the multiracial one which according to fans shows a lack of respect and irresponsibility. Which they claim can not 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 defend them stating, they have worked hard to establish their own identity as the leading artists of 4th generation K-pop and the caption brings 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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Kairavi Pandya
https://www.spieltimes.com/author/kairavi
Kairavi Pandya is a Senior Writer at Spiel Times. She has a fascination with cinema, multi-generational literature, and old-school Kpop. In her spare time, she likes to learn choreographies and catch up with healing K-dramas. She is also pursuing her undergrad degree.