Recently, IVE faced accusations of cultural appropriation for their music video “HEYA”, which allegedly borrowed elements from Chinese culture. However, a group of Korean professors have come forward to support and defend the girl group.
The highly anticipated comeback of IVE on April 29, 2024, with their second mini-album “IVE SWITCH,”also marked the release of the music video for their lead single “HEYA.”While the release was well received by fans, some Chinese netizens were quick to criticize the group for appropriating Chinese culture in their music video.
Continue reading for all the specifics.
Controversy Surrounding IVE’s ‘HEYA’ Music Video and Alleged Cultural Appropriation
The music video for “HEYA”by IVE is inspired by the traditional folk tale “The Tiger Who Loved the Sun,”which was created by the members of IVE. In addition to promoting self-love, the group aimed to showcase the richness of Korean culture.
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
During an interview, Ahn Yujin emphasized the significance of preparing the music videos and their outfits in a Korean style. The girl group incorporated various traditional Korean elements, including traditional fans, tobacco pipes, jeogori, and norigae. Despite this, Chinese netizens argue that these elements are not Korean, but rather Chinese.
Shortly after, there was an influx of netizens on Weibo (a popular Chinese social media platform) and X (formerly known as Twitter) demanding that IVE and their agency, Starship Entertainment, issue a statement. The majority of these individuals accused them of cultural appropriation of Chinese traditions.
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
#IVE_HEYA_TEASER ）Korean kpop group keeps stealing Chinese culture. #Chineseculture pic.twitter.com/hJVSjedAkH
— Rafayelnoxin (@RafayelXanadu) April 30, 2024
Chinese netizens have pointed out that there is an excessive use of Chinese elements, including fans, ink paintings, and even the knots in the members’ hair.
Is it hard to admit that you copied Chinese culture?Why don’t you think about using Korean culture when you steal Chinese culture?#IVE_HEYA_TEASER #IVE pic.twitter.com/MtyYXfQqT9
— xxz (@xxz30631698) April 30, 2024
Unique Korean traditional beauty? Chinese knots are showing every where in the video! Do you even know having even sets of Chinese knot button is only used for funeral shroud? Why is starship making wonyoung wearing this?#ive_cultural_appropriation#ive#HEYA pic.twitter.com/QbtFrBE6Cv
— Rqnmi (@Rqnmii) April 30, 2024
Despite facing criticism, Korean professors have taken the initiative to share their opinions on the matter.
Korean Professors Respond to Criticism of IVE for ‘Appropriating’ Chinese Culture
Professor Seo Kyung Duk, a faculty member at Sungshin Women’s University, conducted an analysis of Chinese netizens’ reactions to IVE’s music video.
The reason for the backlash was attributed to their sense of inferiority towards Koreans, as noted by those who were involved.
Furthermore, Professor Yang Seung Hoon, a sociology professor at Kyungnam University, offered their thoughts on the matter. They pointed out that for the past 2000 years, Korea, China, and Japan have all been influenced by Taoist philosophy, resulting in inherent similarities in their respective traditional cultures.
REGARDING YOU: In her latest song, IVE Jang Wonyoung discusses the intense scrutiny that female idols face.
China’s state-run media was held responsible for creating these issues and influencing public opinions.
Please share your thoughts on the situation in the comments section below.
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