Netizens across the internet express their frustrations with KPOP groups using cultural appropriation for clout. From20 seems to be the latest artist being called out for the same.
KPOP idol Kim Raehwan, better known by his stage name from 20, just released the concept teasers for his upcoming track, Eye Candy. The teaser photos feature the singer, who was previously part of the group BIGSTAR, wearing a white wifebeater and a bandana on his head.
After the release of the images, the singer is now facing major backlash for cultural appropriation of African culture. This stems from the fact that a bandana donned by from20 resembles a durag - a traditional protective hair accessory historically worn by African. The durag has a strong cultural identity and is deeply rooted in Black fashion.
Internet expresses their displeasure at from20
Due to the recent rise of sorts in cultural appropriation carried out by KPOP idols and groups, the internet did not hold back.
I have a theory that kpop groups do cultural appropriation for clout. They know what they are doing is wrong they are well aware however they don’t care bc they want to be dragged. They want to be noticed- one kpop fan stated.
but if a black person comes out in a hanbok eating sushi suddenly theyre the problem,- another said.
I know you are not racist, but there is a history behind non-Black people wearing the durag. I love you. 💚 This is not good, Raehwan.- one fan said.
Another also referred to the other recent events of the same nature,- This is starting to feel lile a coordinated attack
However, from20 is only the latest in a slew of idols facing backlash for appropriating other cultures. Over the years, K-pop groups have often been accused of taking dance moves and using Afro beats without credit. Groups have also been called out for appropriating Indian, African, Arab and so on for their concepts, outfits, music videos, and more.
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KPOP group Kiss of Life held a livestream event where they were all seen wearing and acting like African hip-hop artists, while the group XG faced criticism after releasing durags as part of their merchandise drop. Another controversy involving the young group Young Posse came up as well when they used the word "zigga" to replace a racial slur while rapping the song "Vitamin D."
All of these individual events seem to have caused quite a commotion in the KPOP community, especially amongst the African fans.
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