ITZY member Lia was recently being accused of making a colorist remark about her co-member, Chaeryeong. The idol has since addressed the matter. Keep on reading for all the details.

ITZY Lia Accused of Making 'Colorist' Remark About Chaeryeong Following Radio Show

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Recently, Lia received divided opinions after allegedly making a colorist comment about Chaeryeong. The whole issue started after their appearance on MBC's "Kim Shin Young's Noon Song of Hope" on July 19.

In particular, the topic of skin was brought up when Chaeryeong revealed that she had always wanted to get a tan since her pre-debut days. She explained that she considered it even more after Ryujin pointed out that she stood out the most on their video's thumbnails due to her "paleness."

However, Lia discouraged her, and her explanation didn't sit well with viewers and fans.

Chaeryeong narrated:

"Yeah, (I considered getting a tan), but Lia was like, 'If you get it, you won't look fair nor sexy. You will appear awkward, in the middle of somewhere.' That's what she told me to my face."

While Lia attempted to salvage the explanation conveyed by Chaeryeong by adding that that's because she's already pretty and doesn't need to get a tan, it didn't help clarify her initial remark.

As a result, internet users and even MIDZY (fandom of ITZY) found her comment, "If you get it, you won't look fair nor sexy. You will appear awkward, in the middle of somewhere," really problematic as its meaning is vague.

Some fans explained that the line, "you'll appear awkward, in the middle of somewhere," might be misunderstood by her saying that while both people with fair and tanned skin are beautiful, the in-between complex is less attractive.

Other netizens pointed out that it could be interpreted as Lia pointing out that people with naturally pale skin have an "awkward tan" or uneven color.

Her reasoning that Chaeryeong is really pretty with fair skin might also give the idea to some that being beautiful is connected to having a fair complex, resulting in why idols' photos were often white-washed by both media and fansites.

ITZY Lia Addresses 'Colorist' Issue After Being Educated by MIDZY

On July 22, a MIDZY who had the opportunity to talk to her during a video fan meeting took the controversy to Lia's attention and educated her about her alleged colorist remark.

In a response, Lia said that she was unaware of the issue and thanked the fan for letting her know. She apologized to fans, although it was not intentional to hurt them.

"First of all, I'm not really sure about this issue at the moment, but if that's what people understood, I'm so sorry for that, and that was my mistake. That was definitely not my intention. So, I don't want any more people to get hurt.

And I think that's something I need to do… take more time and kind of maybe have a chance to speak out again. Thank you for letting me know."

READ MORE: NCT Jisung 'Colorist' Remark on Haechan Draws Criticism – Here's What He Said

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Written by Eunice Dawson