Despite K-pop's growing global influence and significant achievements in the United States, several prominent K-pop artists have recently experienced instances of perceived disrespect and overlooked recognition in Western entertainment spaces. These events have prompted strong reactions from fans and raised questions about cultural inclusivity within the industry.
Key Takeaways
- BLACKPINK's Rosé was reportedly overlooked at Paris Fashion Week, leading to an apology from Elle UK.
- Bandmate Lisa did not receive major award nominations for her role in 'The White Lotus 3'.
- The song 'Golden' from 'Kpop Demon Hunters' lost a VMA despite its chart success.
- Im Yoona of Girls' Generation and boy band Stray Kids faced issues on red carpets.
- Experts highlight a need for greater cultural inclusivity for K-pop artists in Western media.
BLACKPINK Members Experience Snubs
Rosé, a member of the highly successful K-pop group BLACKPINK, recently faced a situation at Paris Fashion Week. Reports indicated she was seemingly ignored by some celebrities and media outlets. This occurred during the Saint Laurent show. Charli XCX and Hailey Bieber were among those accused of inadvertently overlooking the 28-year-old artist.
Further, Elle UK issued a public apology after cropping Rosé out of a front-row photograph from the event. This incident caused a significant reaction among K-pop fans online. Although Charli XCX and Rosé were later seen interacting, the initial perceived slight generated widespread discussion.
Rosé's Achievements
- Headlined Coachella with BLACKPINK.
- Achieved No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with BLACKPINK.
- Reached No. 3 on the Hot 100 as a solo artist with 'APT'.
- Has 84 million followers on Instagram, exceeding Charli XCX and Hailey Bieber combined.
Rosé's bandmate, Lalisa Manobal, known as Lisa, also experienced a similar lack of recognition. Lisa starred in the third season of the popular series 'The White Lotus' earlier this year. However, she was one of the few cast members from the show who did not receive nominations for any major acting awards.
'Golden' Track Overlooked at MTV VMAs
Beyond individual artists, a major K-pop related project also faced an unexpected outcome at a recent awards ceremony. The song 'Golden,' featured in Netflix's animated film 'Kpop Demon Hunters,' lost the 'Song of the Summer' award at the MTV VMAs last month. The track is performed by the fictional group HUNTR/X within the movie.
This outcome surprised many fans and industry observers. 'Golden' is currently the No. 1 song on the Hot 100 chart and has maintained this position for seven consecutive weeks. In contrast, the winning song, Tate McRae's 'Just Keep Watching,' peaked at No. 33 on the same chart. The film 'Kpop Demon Hunters' is also notable as the most-watched Netflix film of all time and is considered a strong contender for next year's Oscars. This further deepened the confusion regarding its omission at the VMAs.
Red Carpet Incidents Highlight Disrespect
Several K-pop stars have also encountered disrespectful treatment during high-profile red carpet events. Im Yoona, a founding member of the long-standing South Korean girl group Girls' Generation, was involved in a notable incident last year. This occurred at the 77th Cannes Film Festival.
While attempting to wave to fans at a screening for 'Horizon: An American Saga,' Yoona, who is a prominent figure across Asia, was rushed away by a female security guard. This event sparked significant debate and criticism regarding the treatment of artists on international red carpets.
Cannes Film Festival Incident
The incident involving Im Yoona at Cannes was not isolated. Around the same period, boy band Stray Kids faced similar issues at the Met Gala in New York. These events highlight a pattern of challenging experiences for K-pop artists at major Western cultural gatherings.
Stray Kids, a highly popular boy band, experienced aggressive comments from photographers at the Met Gala. As the group posed in custom Tommy Hilfiger outfits, camera footage captured photographers shouting orders. Some comments were described as thinly-veiled insults.
One photographer was heard saying in a sarcastic tone, "Alright guys, tone it down! Tone it down!" He continued, "What the f***? I've never seen so many unemotional faces in my life!" Another voice added, "They're robots."
When the group removed their coats to reveal their full outfits, a groan was heard. The same photographer reportedly shouted, "Now we've gotta do it again. Now, let's do it with feeling!" Another voice commented, "Look how far apart they are. I hate 'em." Fans online reacted with anger, calling the treatment "outrageous" and "racist."
Stray Kids' US Success
Despite the red carpet incident, Stray Kids have achieved remarkable success in the US. Since 2022, the band has charted seven No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200. This makes them one of the most successful boy bands in music history.
Call for Greater Cultural Inclusivity
Music journalist Jeff Benjamin emphasized the need for greater cultural inclusivity in Western entertainment. Speaking to the Daily Mail, Benjamin noted that K-pop artists hold significant influential power. Western companies and brands frequently leverage this power.
However, fans often feel that their favorite artists are marginalized. Benjamin explained that K-pop fans are very protective of their artists. They view any perceived slight as disrespectful, regardless of its origin. This includes actions by magazines, celebrities, or award shows.
Fan Reactions and Industry Responsibility
Benjamin pointed out that media often portrays backlash as solely coming from fans. He believes it is important to consider the underlying conversations these incidents spark. Issues like racism and marginalization affect many people, not just K-pop stars. When fans raise concerns about these topics, brands should pay attention.
Despite these challenges, there are signs of increasing efforts to showcase K-pop acts in America. The stars of Netflix's 'Kpop Demon Hunters' recently performed their hit song 'Golden' on 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.' This national television appearance represents a significant platform for the group.
Additionally, the Korean girl group TWICE has been announced as a headliner for the upcoming Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. This marks another major mainstream opportunity. Multiple K-pop artists, including Girls' Generation and NewJeans, were also featured on Rolling Stone's list of 'The 250 Greatest Songs of the 21st Century So Far.'
Benjamin, who writes the K-pop newsletter 'The Crossover,' reiterated that more work is necessary. He stated there is still "much work to be done still for greater inclusivity and mutual respect for K-pop and other international artists in Western entertainment." He added that these artists need opportunities and open-mindedness to be seen and heard on an equal level with traditional English-speaking, Western acts.