People are slamming SM Entertainment for allegedly disrespecting the Islam culture and religion, with K-pop fans trending #SMStopDisrespectingIslam to get them to stop.
Recently, SM Entertainment dropped merchandise for NCT U. The merchandise is centered around NCT U's song "Make a Wish (Birthday Song)" and consists of pins and collectible pop-ups. Fans quickly noticed how the merchandise draws strong influences from Islamic architectures and artifacts and calls SM Entertainment out for their insensitivity.
The pop-up is highly reminiscent of the Kaaba Alshareef, which is considered a sacred sight with Islams. It is a place where Muslims perform rituals and offerings to Allah and is meant to bring unity a strong connection between Muslims and Allah. It is also called the "House of God", as is it a landmark dedicated to God and is meant to be used for his worship alone. People also used the Kaaba Alshareef as a place to pray five times a day.
The pins, on the other hand, is shaped like a mosque. Mosques are places where people gather in the center of authority for the Muslim community. The mosque acts as a guide, instructing and helping Muslims with their religious and temporal duties. The mosque also directs the relationship Muslims have with their environment as stated by the revealed laws of Islam. Mosques are also used for community-bonding and are home to numerous Islamic art. It is often used for religious education.
SM Entertainment is also being bashed for using the interview of the Shrine of Imam Hussain (A.S.) as a background for one of NCT U's "Make a Wish (Birthday Song)" stage on a music show. The Arabic text on the Shrine is clearly seen in most view shots. Muslims have spoken up over how offensive this is in their culture. Imam Hussain (A.S.) died in the Battle of Karbala, which is considered the most tragic event in Islamic history. Muslims remember the battle every year as "Ashura," where people take the time to grieve the loss of Imam Hussain (A.S.) and his fellow companies.
The Arabic phrase that is seen on NCT U's music show stage reads, "Peace be upon the fifth of the People of the Cloak. Peace be upon him, who saturated in his blood." The Arabic phrase is a reference to the bloody massacre of Prophet Mohammed PBUH's family.
Previously, three members of the NCT U "Make a Wish (Birthday Song)" sub-unit was under fire for cultural appropriation. During one of the group's stages for Mnet's "M! Countdown" stage, the members were seen waving at the camera. Taeyong, however, is seen putting his thumb and pointed finger together and rolling his head. This is highly reminiscent of traditional Indian dancing but was used in a way that was deemed mocking.
Soon after, Xiaojun is seen copying the hand movement with his left hand and rolling his head as well. Shotaro joins them, rolling his head in a similar fashion. The boys were slammed for their insensitivity, as dancing is an important part of Indian culture.
RELATED: NCT U Under Fire For Allegedly Mocking Indian Culture
SM Entertainment has not released a statement on the matter. Despite that, K-pop fans continue to bring up the cultural insensitivity SM Entertainment as exhibited, especially with NCT U, by trending the hashtag #SMStopDisrespectingIslam on Twitter.
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Written by Alexa L.
