The recent release of their latest collection has sparked outrage among Chinese netizens towards Miu Miu, with many pointing to IVE member Jang Wonyoung as the potential cause.
On May 21, Miu Miu announced their new lingerie collection on their Instagram account. To their surprise, Chinese netizens left a series of critical comments targeting the fashion brand’s ongoing partnership with Jang Wonyoung. The comments mainly denounced the decision to make her their ambassador, perceiving it as a sign of disrespect towards their nation.
Upon hearing the news that the brand would continue to work with Jang Wonyoung, numerous individuals declared their intention to boycott and withdraw their support. Some of the comments expressed this sentiment as follows:
- “Why is Miu Miu still collaborating with the girl who committed cultural appropriation?”
- “We are not satisfied with a global ambassador who steals from culture.”
- “The brand is supporting those bad behaviors.”
- “I will unfollow Miu Miu.”
- “Please speak up, Miu Miu.”
- “If you don’t want to lose the Chinese market, change your ambassador!”
- “Boycott Jang Wonyoung.”
However, what is the cause of this animosity? In April, IVE made a comeback to the K-pop industry with their latest single “HEYA,”which was released after a gap of over six months.
Despite its catchy tempo, stunning aesthetics, and visually captivating music video, the comeback received mixed reviews. Chinese netizens were quick to accuse IVE and their company, Starship Entertainment, of cultural appropriation and plagiarism in the music video.
Despite the IVE members stating that the imagery in the “HEYA”music video was influenced by traditional Korean elements, upon its release, the group faced criticism for allegedly using Chinese cultural elements to promote Korean culture. This sparked a significant backlash online.
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
Several Chinese netizens identified various elements used in the music video, including gombangdae pipes, watercolor paintings, coin patterns, flower-embroidered shoes, and three-pepper fans, as originating from China. This caused frustration among them as IVE stated in interviews that these aspects are of Korean origin rather than Chinese.
What the…… Can Korean idol groups stop plagiarizing Chinese culture?#IVE_HEYA_TEASER
— Foxy(@foxy_CN) April 28, 2024
#IVE_HEYA_TEASER ）Korean kpop group keeps stealing Chinese culture. #Chineseculture pic.twitter.com/hJVSjedAkH
— Rafayelnoxin (@RafayelXanadu) April 30, 2024
Stop cultural appropriation, these are chinese knots！！！#ive #IVE #IVE_HEYA_TEASER #culturalappropriation pic.twitter.com/nTQGEEVsFy
— yewei (@yewei731812) May 2, 2024
The controversy surrounding IVE has caused a negative reaction from numerous Chinese fans, resulting in a damaged reputation in Mainland China. Furthermore, as Jang Wonyoung is currently a global ambassador for Miu Miu, the fashion brand has also been caught in the backlash, facing criticism from Chinese netizens.
Despite Starship Entertainment’s lack of response to these accusations, there is a belief that the elements in the music video highlight shared cultural influences found in East Asian countries. As a result, it can be argued that IVE did not plagiarize from Chinese culture.
Regarding Jang Wonyoung: In a recent interview, she shared her true personality: “Contrary to popular belief, I am not actually…”
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