After the controversy over NCT and WayV member Hendery committing cultural appropriation after posting a set of racially insensitive photos posted to Weibo, a fan asked the idol about the situation during the fan call. However, Hendery chose to skip the question. Keep on reading to learn more.
On Friday, Dec. 4, Hendery was under fire for alleged cultural appropriation. The idol had shared three photos of him wearing a wig with fake dreads and a Rastafarian-inspired headband.
In a fourth photo, Hendery is seen holding the wig in his hands while smiling at the camera.
Hendery was slammed for being racially insensitive to Jamaican culture and claimed Hendery was ignorant towards other people's culture. People stressed that hairstyle is a part of people's culture and is not meant to be used as an accessory. At the time, people who used to be fans of Hendery have gone on to say that they will no longer be supporting him until an apology or statement is issued.
Despite the backlash, some people had defended Hendery, saying he could just be uneducated on the matter. However, footage from a recent fan call has fans thinking otherwise.
RELATED: NCT/WayV's Hendery Under Fire for Alleged Cultural Appropriation
During a fan call, a fan is seen asking Hendery about the Weibo post. They say, "Ah, sorry. So your Weibo post. there were a lot of people who were hurt by it..." Hendery is seen with a smile on his face as he listens to the fan. For a moment, his eyes shift away for a moment before he cuts off the fan, replying, "Let's skip this discussion." He then moves on to another fan.
This sparked outrage among international K-pop fans. As it appears that Hendery is aware of his wrongdoings, many are frustrated that the idol chose to skip the question instead of taking accountability. People also thought that the way he cut off the fan was rude, as he had not even let her finish what she had to stay. Fans are trying their hardest to educate the idol on the severity of his actions.
However, some had stated that he could have possibly been unable to touch on the matter due to the presence of staff in the area. Some even argued that it is possible SM Entertainment is barring him from making a public apology. Because of this, some people are clearing the Twitter searches of Hendery by spamming it with positive comments. This has angered many, who believes fans should not clear the searches and that Hendery's actions deserve attention and should not be buried and forgotten.
As of press time, Hendery and SM Entertainment have not released a formal statement on the situation. Fans are using the hashtag #HENDERY_APOLOGIZE in an attempt to get the idol to acknowledge his insensitive actions.
NCT has a short history with cultural appropriation. Previously, members Taeyong, Xiaojun, and Shotaro were slammed for being racially insensitive during their ending stage for "Make a Wish (Birthday Song)". At the time, Taeyong was seen putting his thumb and pointer finger together and rolling his head, which was seen to be mocking traditional Indian dances. Xiaojun and Shotaro were then seen copying the movement.
RELATED: NCT U Under Fire for Allegedly Mocking Indian Culture
SM Entertainment also did not release a statement on the matter.
What do you think of the situation?
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Written by Alexa L.
