Oh My Girl is being accused of cultural appropriation following their performance on KCON:TACT 2020 SUMMER performance.
During a special stage for KCON:TACT 2020 SUMMER last June 24, Wednesday, members Mimi and YooA were seen wearing clothing pieces that many people found troubling. By definition, cultural appropriation is the definition of some specific elements of a certain culture and taking it away from their culture, thus making it lose their meaning. It can also mean taking parts of a culture and using it as an accessory without knowing the true meaning.
YooA was seen wearing a Bindi on the middle of her forehead.
A Bindi is a significant part of Hindu culture. It's usually word by a red dot in the middle of their forehead and is worn by a woman to symbolize that she is married. In the Hindu religion, it is said to be the third eye and is said to ward off bad luck.
Memeber Mimi was seen with a headpiece on her head called a Matha Patti.
A Matha Patti is a traditional Indian piece of jewelry that is a chain worn along the hairline by brides. It is an integral part of an Indian bride's solah shringar.
This is not the first time Oh My Girl is being accused of cultural appropriation. During a fan sign during the group's "Windy Day" promotions, Hyojung was seen wearing a Bindi on her forehead. The song also had Indian musical influences, causing the girls to be called "curry-dols" by netizens. She was also seen doing poses that seem to mock the culture.
The dance also featured an "Aladdin Dance". Aladdin is a mythical figure from Middle Eastern folklore.
They had also previously covered Norazo's song "Curry", which is known for being full of offensive stereotypes. Though they didn't do the brown face seen in the original MV, they still kept lyrics such as "It's yellow, spicy, and although it doesn't smell nice, Taj Mahal," and "Shanti shanti, yoga fire! I love hot curry!"
The group was also accused of cultural appropriation following their "Guerilla" performance on Mnet's "Queendom". They again wore headdresses that stems from Indian culture.
Despite public outrage, neither Oh My Girl nor WM Entertainment issued an apology. Fans speculate that the girls are not allowed to say something by their company however. There are no updates as to whether their company will issue an apology at all.
