On Monday, March 20, 2023, TWICE’s Chaeyoung released an apology for uploading a candid image on her Instagram wearing a T-shirt with Nazi Swastika on it. This comes just days after her wearing a QAnnon shirt onstage during a concert. Due to this K-pop fans were once again reminded of cultural ignorance and appropriation in the K-pop industry.
TWICE’s Chaeyoung apologizes for wearing a Swastika T-shirt
On March 20, K-pop idol Chaeyoung uploaded a thread of her images on her Instagram. In an image where she is enjoying her time in the United States during the group’s world tour, fans noticed her controversial T-shirt. The cream-colored attire featured an image of Sid Vicious from Sex Pistols, who is known for wearing controversial outfits including ones featuring Nazi symbols.
Chaeyoung soon deleted the post and released an apology for her actions. She admitted not knowing the meaning of the Swastika. She also sincerely apologized for not reviewing it and promised to not repeat the mistake in the future.
“I sincerely apologize regarding the Instagram post. I didn’t correctly recognize the meaning of the tilted swastika in the T-shirt I wore. I deeply apologize for not thoroughly reviewing it, causing concern. I will pay absolute attention in the future to prevent any similar situation from happening again.”
K-pop fans received the apology with conflicted hearts due to the repeated events of Idols hurting the feelings of fans with cultural insensitivity. The incidents of cultural appropriation and ignorance aren’t new to K-pop.
Many of the major managing labels such as SM Entertainment, YG Entertainment, and JYP Entertainment have also taken wrong decisions despite their frequent overseas projects. Due to this fans believe cultural sensitivity is heavily ignored in K-pop.
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Frequent cases of cultural appropriation in K-pop
Cultural appropriation means the exploitation of cultural elements, especially of a minority group for aesthetic or stereotypical purposes. In simpler terms, it means to take a cultural element such as accessories, hairstyle, symbols, phrases, etc, and to use them inappropriately.
Many instances of cultural appropriation in K-pop have received backlash from Netizens including leading celebrities. Some K-pop idols have spoken slur words, mocked dance or poses, or dressed in culturally inappropriate styles. Such incidents have happened during V-lives or even in official music videos.
Prior to Chaeyoung’s Swastika T-shirt, Wendy from Red Velvet was accused of fetishizing black people as a clip of her impersonating black accent went viral. Solo artist Sunmi also received backlash after she uploaded a video dancing with exaggerated steps along with her backup dancers on Daler Mehandi’s song Tunak Tunak Tun.
NCT U came under fire from Netizens for hurting religious sentiments during their MakMake-A-Wisha. Their music video featured architecture resembling a mosque, which is a religious place for offering prayers for the Muslim community. Similarly, BLACKPINK received criticism as their music video for How You Like That featured a sculpture of the Hindu God Ganesh as a prop.
Many groups also received criticism over their controversial choice of outfits such as the girl group Pritz wore a dress that looked similar to a Nazi uniform. Momoland received criticism for stereotyping Mexican and Egyptian culture in the BAAM music video. TWICE’s Jihyo was criticized for dressing as a Native Indian on Halloween. BTS’s Jimin was criticized for wearing a T-shirt featuring an atomic explosion.
Moreover, many K-pop idols including G-Dragon from BIGBANG, Lisa from BLACKPINK, Kai from EXO, Bobby from IKON, Zico, and Jay Park have also received backlash for wearing dreadlocks or cornrows, a protective hairstyle of black people.
PH1Harmony’s Keeho mentioned the necessity of respecting cultures
Netizens have repeatedly brought up these slip-ups caused by a lack of knowledge or ignorance in the attention of celebrities and their managing labels. They often publish an official apology for hurting the sentiments of international fans. However, repeated cases such as the wrong styling choice for TWICE’s Chaeyoung and her inInstagramost Donning a Swastika T-shirt make fans question the sincerity of the previous apologies.
In June 2022, PH1Harmony appeared on The Zach Sang show and talked about their debut and creative process. During this interview, Keeho expressed his opinions regarding cultural appropriation. He emphasized the need of respecting and appreciating all cultures without appropriating them. He believes it is a responsibility that comes with a larger platform.
Many k-pop fans also suggest teaching about cultural sensitivities to Idol trainees. As K-pop further grows into a global industry being knowledgeable about various cultures is important. Moreover, these instances of cultural ignorance also occur in styling and production. Therefore, Netizens often encourage companies to include cultural awareness in every step of music production.
After years of previous instances of cultural ignorance, K-pop is slowly becoming more aware and respectful towards various cultures. Many idols have received praise for showing respectable interest and appreciation for various cultures. Fans also notice a rise in cultural respect during world tours.
However, it might take more effort and awareness to avoid hurting the cultural and religious sentiments of international fans. This will be one of the major tasks for K-pop producing and managing labels as they further progress as a global entertainment industry with 4th generation idol groups.
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