Despite their popularity, these K-pop music videos are actually banned from broadcasting networks. Keep reading on to know the reason why!
KBS, MBC, and SBS are the three largest broadcasting networks, which particularly have the most music shows and broadcasts.
The following K-pop MVs were then banned from either of the three channels for various reasons.
1. Psy's "Gentleman"
In 2013, the much-anticipated track of the K-pop icon Psy was released as an aftermath of the popularity of "Gangnam Style."
However, it was banned by KBS, due to the frames in its MV that showed destruction of property, which includes kicking traffic cones and later on posed a laughing smile.
2. Orange Caramel's "Catallena"
Undoubtedly, the iconic list of K-pop MVs will not be complete without "Catallena." Upon its release, it received positive criticisms and feedback from music professionals.
However, it was also banned by KBS for allegedly "devaluing life," as the three members were seen packed as sushi in plastic packages.
3. T.O.P "Turn it Up"
In 2010, the BIGBANG main rapper T.O.P dropped his first official single, "Turn it Up," which rose as one of the highest international debuts for a Korean hip-hop single on iTunes chart. But its MV was prohibited from MBC as his lyrics contained brand names.
4. EXO "Lotto"
"Lotto" is a track released by the "Nation's Pick" EXO from the repackaged edition of their full-length album with the same name.
Upon release, they performed the track on various broadcasting networks; however, it was initially banned from KBS and MBC due to its title similar to a trademark.
Eventually, SM Entertainment's EXO made revisions, and instead of singing "lotto," they used "louder."
5. NCT 127 "Cherry Bomb"
The third EP of NCT 127 titled "Cherry Bomb," and its MV was not only banned once but twice. In particular, KBS decided to forbid the group from performing the track because of its lyrics that mentioned violent descriptions. After reconsideration, it was banned again as it was deemed to be indeed "unfit for the broadcast."
6. BIGBANG "Fxxk it"
"Fxxt It" kicked off as one of the most successful tracks released by BIGBANG, charting on various local and international charts including QQ Music, U.S. Billboard, Canadian Hot 100, and many more.
But because of its "inappropriate lyrics" that include slang, KBS disallowed the group to perform the track on the network, particularly on music shows.
7. BLACKPINK "Boombayah"
Despite the successful debut of the quartet through "Boombayah," the track was banned from KBS due to its dance choreography and lyrics that seemed to be inappropriate on television.
BLACKPINK also mentioned an alcohol brand and car manufacturer.
8.BTS "Dope"
The "biggest boy group" BTS who released "Dope" also encountered having their MV banned from KBS due to its vulgar lyrics.
9. BLACKPINK "KILL THIS LOVE"
"KILL THIS LOVE," which rose as the fastest K-pop girl group to reach 1.2 billion views on YouTube, was shockingly banned from KBS, too, apparently for the scene where Rosé was driving without a seatbelt or featuring unsafe driving.
Also, the domestic violence shown in the MV was said to be scary for younger viewers.
10. BLACKPINK "See U Later"
Though there's no MV for this one, the third BLACKPINK track that was banned from KBS and MBC is "See U Later," after the broadcasting networks explained that the track's lyrics contain inappropriate or swear words.
You Can Also Read: Controversial K-pop Music Videos That Were Banned in Music Broadcasting Networks
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Written by Eunice Dawson
