There have been several cultural misunderstandings happening in the Kpop industry, from the music videos, performances, or even off-stage activities. Recently, TWICE Chaeyoung apologized for wearing a Swastika shirt, not knowing the meaning of it.
TWICE Chaeyoung Apologizes for Wearing Swastika Shirt
Chaeyoung from a famous Kpop girl group TWICE uploaded a picture on her Instagram, wearing a shirt of Sex Pistols bassist, Sid Vicious, who in his shirt is wearing a swastika.
After realizing the mistake, she took the post down. Additionally, TWICE Chaeyoung apologized three separate times. She said that she did not recognize the meaning of swastika. Chaeyoung also promised to pay absolute attention to prevent any similar situation from happening in the future.
Swastika is originally an ancient religious and cultural symbol. The word swastika comes from Sanskrit, svastika, meaning “well-being.” However, when the German Nazi Party adopted the symbol, all the meanings change drastically.
The QAnon Shirt
What makes it worse is that previously Chaeyoung also faced criticism for wearing a QAnon shirt. It was not Chaeyoung’s fault as the stylist was the one who chose and put the outfit on her. As a result, ONCE and many Kpop fans raised their voice against JYP Entertainment stylist who has not done proper research in deciding the outfits for their idols.
QAnon is an American right-wing political conspiracy theory, whose followers have committed acts of violence. Additionally, its followers attacked the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, after Trump lost to Joe Biden.
u/Zombiejill on Reddit just pointed out that @JYPETWICE‘s stylists put Chaeyoung in a Q anon shirt
— hotlaps (@SirHotLaps) March 18, 2023
If you’re going to ramp up promotions in the US, get the US label to CHECK HOW YOU’RE STYLING IDOLS. Not styling anyone in neo nazi conspiracy cult merch would be a great start. pic.twitter.com/sRAwBLNVT6
Short ?
— Emma Marris (@Emma_Marris) March 19, 2023
In a very unfortunate moment of overlap between my two favorite niche interests, Chaeyoung from Kpop girl group Twice just performed in a Qanon shirt. It was definitely NOT her fault. https://t.co/QnmUp1adg9 pic.twitter.com/fgeF8UBYkz
Both incidents show how important it is to wisely double-check your outfit for cultural sensitivity, knowing what is printed on it, especially if you are celebrity with many eyes on you.
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