During a recent livestream, IVE’s Rei featured a brown Hello Kitty plushie and discussed how she styled it in a “Hip Hop”fashion. She playfully mimicked a rap performance by using appropriate words and sounds associated with the genre.
This recent action by Rei has quickly sparked concern, as obtaining a “tan”plushie and immediately having it rap and wear “Hip Hop”attire reinforces racial stereotypes commonly associated with individuals of darker complexion.
So one else finds it a bit weird that #REI from #IVE gets a tanning kitty and decides to give it camo boxers to look “hip hop” and then says “gang gang skrtt” or should we let this slight ignorance pass bc she said it in a cute way? #kpop pic.twitter.com/vz4MNSzULK
— nobodyyy (@ooooaaaaooaa1) July 29, 2024
Consequently, the female idol faced immediate backlash as fans and international netizens took to social media to educate Rei about stereotypes.
Apparently, Rei has taken notice of these comments, as the female idol has issued an apology to fans regarding the situation.
God I’m so thankful for how sincere and seriously she took this. We love you rei 🫶🏼 https://t.co/dMeX1ak5Mv pic.twitter.com/zcKPnm5mnV
— Cassie ☀️IVEPALOOZA☀️ (@reikkomia) July 31, 2024
Specifically, Rei made multiple posts on the fan communication platform Bubble, acknowledging, “Upon reviewing a recent live stream, I became aware that while showcasing a plushie that I wanted to share with DIVEs (fans of IVE), I made some unintentional inappropriate comments. I fully acknowledge my wrongdoing and take full responsibility for any harm caused during the live stream. I would like to extend a heartfelt apology to those who were affected.”
“In the future, I will make a conscious effort to be more mindful of my words and their impact on DIVEs. I also aim to take on more responsibility and bring nothing but joy to DIVEs. Please forgive me for writing this in Korean, as my English proficiency is not yet at a high level,”the female idol expressed.
Link: X, Krb
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