Many Chinese netizens are convinced that IVE has plagiarized and misused Chinese culture in their most recent music video for “HEYA.”
On April 29, 2024, IVE made an eagerly awaited return with their second mini-album, “IVE SWITCH.”Along with the release, IVE also unveiled the music video for their highly-anticipated lead single, “HEYA.”
Despite being adored by DIVEs (IVE’s fandom name), Chinese netizens were not as impressed.
Exploring Korean Culture through IVE’s ‘HEYA’ Music Video
On April 29, IVE made their long-awaited comeback by releasing the lead single “HEYA”and its accompanying music video. With this new song, the girl group solidified their position as fourth-generation it girls.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07EzMbVH3QE
Despite this, the Chinese netizens were dissatisfied with the music video, accusing the girl group of appropriating and plagiarizing Chinese culture.
“Earlier, IVE had disclosed that their song took inspiration from an original folk tale called “The Tiger Who Loved the Sun,”created by the members of the group. In their rendition, the girls put a fresh twist on the conventional story genre, all while promoting their message of self-love.”
IVE’s HEYA is inspired by traditional Korean folklore both visually and narratively. The MV is based on an original folk tale titled “The Tiger Who Loved the Sun” . IVE play six tigers who love the sun so much they want to eat it to be filled by its light. #IVE_SWITCH #IVE #HEYA pic.twitter.com/A9GjBoXjuk
— Bookish Theories (@BookishT_S) April 29, 2024
The music video for “HEYA”incorporated numerous traditional Korean elements. These were evident in every aspect, including the set design and costumes. In various interviews, the girl group expressed their desire to showcase their Korean heritage, which they successfully accomplished.
love the references to Korean traditional paintings and tales in IVE’s Heya sm pic.twitter.com/nCUmoowWAT
—. ˚◞♡ blue ꕤ (@velvetmelodyy) April 24, 2024
The group incorporated various traditional Korean elements into their performance, including jeogori, norigae, tobacco pipes, and traditional fans. Leader Ahn Yujin emphasized the significance of showcasing a Korean style in both the music video and costumes for their song “HEYA.”
Is There Evidence That IVE Stole Chinese Culture For Their ‘HEYA’ MV?
Despite the music video receiving praise from international audiences, on the Chinese social media platform Weibo, netizens had a different viewpoint. Some criticized the girl group for potentially appropriating Chinese culture by featuring various Chinese elements in the video, such as fans. This sparked a debate among netizens, with some questioning the group’s intentions and the potential harm of cultural appropriation.
No more cultural appropriation, nasty Koreans! You don’t have a fan like this, you thieves! This fan is Chinese, there are many kinds of fans in China, the fan you stole this shape is only one of the Chinese fans, this fan originated in China#IVE_HEYA_TEASER pic.twitter.com/dCUNK3kx61
— Korean cultural appropriation (@shxqng1) April 29, 2024
What the…… Can Korean idol groups stop plagiarizing Chinese culture?#IVE_HEYA_TEASER
— Foxy(@foxy_CN) April 28, 2024
Several comments say,
- “Learn history before doing cultural appropriation.”
- “Thank you for promoting traditional Chinese culture.”
- “Wow, the entire music video is full of Chinese culture.”
Furthermore, “HEYA”music video achieved over 9.2 million views within a mere 14 hours of its release, as reported in recent updates.
Please share your thoughts on the situation in the comments section below.
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