IVE was recently accused of appropriating Chinese culture for their "HEYA" music video. Now, Korean professors have stepped up to defend the girl group.

The music video for IVE's lead single, "HEYA," was released alongside their much-awaited comeback on April 29, 2024, with the unveiling of their second mini-album, "IVE SWITCH." While fans loved the release, Chinese netizens were quick to claim the group stole Chinese culture for their music video.

Keep on reading for all the details.

IVE Accused of 'Stealing' Chinese Culture for 'HEYA' Music Video

IVE's "HEYA" music video is based off an original folk tale titled "The Tiger Who Loved the Sun," which was conceptualized by the IVE members themselves. Along with their message of self-love, the girls wanted to spread the beauty 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

FOR MORE INFORMATION: IVE Accused of Appropriating Chinese Culture in 'HEYA' MV

In an interview, Ahn Yujin stated that they found it absolutely important that they prepared the music videos and their outfits in a Korean style. The girl group made use of several traditional Korean elements, such as traditional fans, tobacco pipes, jeogori, and norigae. However, Chinese netizens believe these elements are not Korean but Chinese.

Soon, netizens flooded Weibo (Chinese social media) and X (formerly Twitter) to demand IVE and their company, Starship Entertainment, release a statement. Many believe they are guilty of culturally appropriating Chinese culture.

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

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To be specific, Chinese netizens claim the overused Chinese elements, such as the fans, ink paintings, and even the knots in the members' hairs.

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

Amid the backlash, Korean professors have stepped up to give their two cents.

Korean Professors Defend IVE Amid Backlash for 'Appropriating' Chinese Culture

Professer Seo Kyung Duk, who teaches at Sungshin Women's University, analyzed the comments of Chinese netizens towards IVE's music video.

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They noted that the reason for the backlash was their feeling of inferiority towards Koreans.

Additionally, Professor Yang Seung Hoon, who teaches sociology at Kyungnam University, commented on the situation. They noted that Korea, China, and Japan shared the same Taoist philosophy for 2000 years, meaning there are inevitable similarities in their traditional cultures.

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The blame was put on China's state-run media, which created such issues and shaped public opinions.

What do you think of the situation? Tell us in the comments below!

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Written by Alexa Lopez