“…perpetuates harmful stereotypes.”
WayV have been hit with major backlash for their upcoming album artwork.
Recently, netizens have been sharing anger as they believe more idols have been criticized for cultural appropriation and promoting harmful stereotypes of different cultures, including the likes of KISS OF LIFE and ALLDAY PROJECT‘s Tarzzan.
KISS OF LIFE Under Fire For Cultural Appropriation In Birthday Livestream
Recently, WayV released a concept photo ahead of their 7th mini album.
WayV The 7th Mini Album 【BIG BANDS】
➫ 2025.07.18 (CST/KST)#WayV #威神V #BIGBANDS #WayV_BIGBANDS pic.twitter.com/vWVnUqS4N2— WayV (@WayV_official) June 29, 2025
When the photo was posted, it was hit with major backlash as netizens believed that while there is rampant racism in Korea, idols feel the need to copy and imitate the culture. In particular, many added that the way they do these imitations seems like cosplay and perpetuates harmful stereotypes of the cultures that are being used to influence the style.
already having a bad day and now i see wayv decided to nigga it up for their new comeback https://t.co/f2EOg8QOtx pic.twitter.com/KespPKHrGt
— nicole💚🇳🇬🇵🇸 (@antonriizin) June 30, 2025
Such an interesting phenomenon is going on in kpop rn https://t.co/aJAyG73msY
— miss boston (@rhonjuyeon) June 29, 2025
the concepts of kpop industry/korea being racist but always copy everything about black culture https://t.co/zXxZwA6XI5 pic.twitter.com/1DDZmwd6qv
— val 🔗❄️ (@GOTXTINI) June 29, 2025
Is 2025 a niggaboo competition among K-pop groups ????? https://t.co/32KQZONGT8 pic.twitter.com/zDIWpMFFTu
— Idgaf (@dandelions11235) June 29, 2025
for those moron WayV fans who are too stupid to understand why it’s so wrong, this concept & imagery is misguided (& cringe) racial cosplay that perpetuates harmful stereotypes that Black & Hispanic men are criminals, & my fave got the most harmful styling out of the group 😭 https://t.co/4yUKbMsW5J
— Jasmine Green (@jasmngrn) June 29, 2025
one group gets away with appropriation now everyone following suit bc they know there are no real consequences and fans will still support this bs https://t.co/mItGliDOFh
— Uma ⊹˙⛤ (@uma0_1) June 29, 2025
Netizens are tired of the constant cultural appropriation by idols.
