One Of The Biggest Kpop Girl Groups Come Under Fire For Alleged Anti-Japanese Sentiment, Director Denies The Accusations
Girl group IVE has faced some claims from some Japanese netizens that their recently released teaser video for their new album carries an “anti-Japan” meaning.
On the 8th of August, the teaser for IVE’s 4th mini album “IVE SECRET” was released on their official YouTube channel.
The teaser has an “Evil Cupid” concept, portraying a twist on the usual sweet and bright Cupid image. However, some Japanese netizens and anti-Korean YouTubers claimed that it expressed anti-Japanese sentiment.
They pointed out that the release date was one day before the anniversary of the Nagasaki atomic bombing, that Japanese member Rei wore an outfit with the phrase “I’m sorry” written on it, and that there was a scene of burning origami cranes, which are a peace symbol in Japan. In particular, the outfit worn by the Japanese member was interpreted by some as an attempt to evoke imagery of Japan as a World War II aggressor nation.
In response, Korean netizens explained that origami cranes in Korea symbolize love, and that “I’m sorry” is simply the name of a fashion brand launched by Canadian photographer Petra Collins.
The director of the trailer clarified on social media: “The scene of burning origami cranes was included to portray a concept of disrupting lovers’ love, and there is no other meaning.”
IVE’s agency Starship Entertainment has not released an official statement.
What do you think of the backlash?
Source: (A)
I think picking at things like this is silly, and people are laser focused on it..instead of trying to work on the bigger problems in the world..such as global warming or starvation