During Chinese New Year, IVE Wonyoung and SNSD Seohyun gained flak online for using the term "Seollal" and "Lunar New Year" on their Instagram posts
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IVE Wonyoung, SNSD Seohyun Draw Flak For Using Term 'Seollal' On Chinese New Year
On January 22, IVE Wonyoung and SNSD Seohyun posted greetings for Lunar New Year.
Starting with Wonyoung, the IVE singer dressed in traditional Korean hanbok, giving off a festive mood towards fans and the online community.
While the post was well-intentioned, others didn't perceive it that way, as netizens have projected flak towards the idol for coining the term "Seollal."
Meanwhile, SNSD maknae Seohyun also received hate on her post for the exact same reason. Just like Wonyoung, the idol sported a hanbok, featuring a mirror selfie.
Seohyun wished everyone a prosperous new year, followed by the Lunar greetings. Upon seeing this, netizens insisted Seohyun to use "Chinese New Year," instead of "Lunar New Year."
"Have a happy Seollal."
- IVE Wonyoung
"Happy New Year. Happy Lunar New Year!"
- SNSD Seohyun
Both idols have received hate comments because of referring the celebration as "Seollal" or "Lunar New Year."
Netizens commented, calling out concerns of "cultural appropriation" of Chinese New Year within their posts.
However, some fans defended the idols, stating that nothing is wrong with how they termed the holiday. They explained how it's okay for the singers to use "Seollal" since they're Koreans. Fans also called out the netizens' sensitivity when it comes to calling the holiday, "Lunar New Year."
See their comments below:
"Seollal is Seollal. Why can't we call it that way?"
"She's Korean, so she'll use Seollal. What are they doing to Wonyoung?"
"Wonyoung didn't do anything wrong. I hope she's happy."
"They really are bulls**tting over the craziest things, I swear."
"This is why it's not so good to have that many Chinese fans."
"But everyone in our country uses the word Seollal."
NewJeans Danielle Apologizes For Using 'Chinese New Year' On Lunar New Year
In relation to the topic, NewJeans Danielle apologized for using the term "Chinese New Year."
On January 19, the idol posted on her Instagram, addressing the matter. Danielle stated how she saw her mistake when she asked fans' plans for the new year. In the message, the term "Chinese New Year" was used, causing Danielle to delete it immediately.
Furthermore, Danielle explained that she regrets her actions, since Lunar New Year is a holiday celebrated by many countries worldwide, including Korea. She wrapped up the statement by assuring fans with caution in the future.
See the full statement below:
"Hello
This is Danielle from New Jeans.
On Thursday, January 19th, I was in Phoning. I sent you a message saying, "What r u bunnies doing for Chinese new year?" I realized the mistake and deleted it right away, but the message has already been delivered to many people, and it has become undone.
Since Lunar New Year is a holiday celebrated in many countries and regions, including our country Korea, my expression was inappropriate and this I apologize for my actions. Again, I am so sorry to Bunnies and many others who may be disappointed or hurt by this.
I won't forget this, and I will try to be more careful in the future in expressing myself.
Once again, my apologies."
What do you think of Seohyun and Wonyoung receiving hate? Tell us in the comments below!
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