Unacknowledged Racism in K-pop: The Pain Behind Cultural Appropriation

The Pain Behind Cultural Appropriation and Apathetic Companies

When it comes to topics such as race, cultural appropriation, and racism in the K-pop industry, the pain felt by fans, especially those who consider themselves multi-series (multistans), is often profound and overlooked. A common issue some multi-series encounters is the blatant disregard by K-pop companies towards instances of cultural appropriation. This disregard is particularly egregious when it comes to matters of race. The lack of acknowledgment from companies frustrates and saddens multistans who have seen numerous examples of cultural appropriation within the K-pop community. These instances, while sometimes used creatively, often cause deep emotional pain and anger among those who are aware of the cultural and historical significance of the appropriated elements.

Idols who make attempts to apologize for these offenses are often silenced by their label companies, diminishing the impact of their genuine remorse. It is deeply saddening to witness idols truly want to apologize, only for their voices to be muted, while the company fails to address the issue with transparency and sincerity. This is particularly true when idols repeatedly engage in inappropriate behavior, making excuses and remaining unperturbed, which adds to the emotional toll on their fans.

Defense and Fandom Drama

The situation is further complicated when fans endeavor to defend their idols, a response that may come across as defensive and counterproductive. When fans attempt to defend an idol who has engaged in cultural appropriation, it can reflect poorly on the entire fandom, creating tensions and stirring drama within the K-pop community. The goal should be to promote a culture of self-reflection and mutual respect, but actions that defend inappropriate behavior can inadvertently undermine the movement towards a more inclusive and equitable environment.

Moreover, there are instances when fans drag in other artists or groups to detract from the issue at hand, often accused of exacerbating the problem. This behavior is particularly criticized when the dragged-in groups are not the ones responsible for the drama but are instead portrayed as the focus of the negative attention. For instance, when fans attempt to bring other groups like TXT into the drama, they are often seen as adding fuel to the fire instead of promoting a constructive dialogue. Such actions reflect poorly on the offended parties and complicate the resolution of the issue, leading to a negative spiral of conflict that overshadows the original concerns.

The term ‘multistan’ refers to fans who are loyal to multiple K-pop idols or groups, providing a broader perspective on the K-pop industry and its multifaceted dynamics. Many multistans, who are often deeply invested in the emotional aspects of idol culture, find themselves caught between the desire to support their idols and the knowledge that certain behaviors are not only insensitive but also hurtful to various communities. This duality can create emotional strain and a sense of dissonance, as fans grapple with both their love for the idols and the pain caused by inappropriate actions.

It is important for K-pop companies to take a more proactive role in addressing these issues with transparency and honesty. Acknowledging cultural appropriation, providing education to idols and fans alike, and implementing policies that foster respect and understanding can go a long way in mitigating the pain caused by such offenses. Fans also have a responsibility to engage in healthy discussions that promote a culture of mutual respect and support, rather than defensive behaviors that may harm the larger community.

In conclusion, the issue of unacknowledged racism in K-pop, particularly through cultural appropriation, continues to be a source of pain for many fans, especially those who are multistans. It is crucial for companies, idols, and fans to address these issues thoughtfully and with empathy to create a more inclusive and respectful K-pop community.

Key Takeaways

Race and cultural appropriation in K-pop often go unacknowledged by companies, causing deep emotional pain among multistans. Idols who attempt to apologize for cultural appropriation are often silenced, diminishing the impact of their genuine remorse. Defensive actions taken by fans can reflect poorly on the entire fandom and complicate the resolution of cultural insensitivity issues. Constructive dialogue and mutual respect are essential for promoting a more inclusive K-pop culture.

Keywords: cultural appropriation, K-pop, racism, multistan, company silencing