Following his appearance at the 2023 MAMA Awards, TREASURE Hyunsuk received raised brows from K-pop fans.
Why is it getting mixed opinions?
TREASURE Hyunsuk Shocks With Braided Hair + Fans Call Idol Out for Cultural Appropriation
On November 28, the Day 1 of the 2023 MAMA Awards was held at the Tokyo Dome in Japan. On this day, a star-studded lineup of K-pop artists joined the annual awards ceremony, including TREASURE.
During the red carpet, the group flaunted their unrivaled visuals and while most of the members showed their fancy and dashing looks in suit and tie, one member particularly drew attention for his unconventional style.
On top of it, he surprised people with his braided hair - and that member is none other than Hyunsuk!
ALSO READ: TREASURE Hyunsuk In Hot Water Over Alleged Attitude Shift— But Fans Are Rallying Behind The Idol
Upon seeing it, he not only sparked debate and criticism from Korean fans but he was also called out by international fans.
On the social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), international TEUMEs (TREASURE fandom) were disappointed that the idol had braids at the front resembling box braids, and apparently a two-braid cornrow look, hairstyle unique to black people.
He was then accused of cultural appropriation, and people were more frustrated as this wasn't the only time he was scolded and educated for doing so.
Let me break something down to yall. This guy whateva his name is hyunsuk (?)clearly was tryna do two CORNROWS. his hair is too short AND not coarse enough for the added hair to catch so they had to give him two front BOX BRAIDS dpmo about Viking braids ok? pic.twitter.com/yFiAsWG4Zz
— closed. (@desjjong) November 28, 2023
are y'all fucking stupid? this man shouldn't need "protection" when doing CA is this a joke? 😭😭 stop normalising this shit with him he looks like he needed government permission to Korea with that hair, don't be a dumbass and defend choi hyunsuk pic.twitter.com/JG0ug2aady
— jess | read pinned ! 🎀 (@Iuvddeonu) November 28, 2023
i need CHOI HYUNSUK to stop with those hairstyles. first, it doesn't suit (his natural black hair is much better). secondly, i thought he's fully aware and educated now about ca yet it keeps happening all over again? lastly, can he stop being so insensitive and insensitive to ppl
— દᵕ̈૩ asahi pls leave yg; be happy and free!! (@y22dva) November 28, 2023
On the flip side, other TEUMEs defended the idol from cultural appropriation claims stating that he was wearing normal braids, but went on by criticizing his "ugly" hairstyle.
Fans blamed the idol's stylist and YG Entertainment for letting Hyunsuk go out with such hair, who is now taking the jab from netizens.
Korean TEUMEs Plead TREASURE Hyunsuk to Bring Back His Black Hair
While international fans often clashed with Korean fans, this time, they were one about Hyunsuk's unfitting and unflattering hair at the 2023 MAMA Awards.
In Korean online communities, K-Netz and TEUMEs regretted the idol's hairstyle choices, urging him to just bring back either his black or brown hair.
To them, he looks better with his natural hair, and his stunning visuals stand out even more. Korean fans left comments such as:
- "Ah, I can see why fans are in rage right now... I feel bad for him."
- "He was so pretty back then..."
- "Bring back his black hair!"
- "Is that hair his own decision? I want to support him but this is not really it."
- "Please give him black hair..."
can we get this black hair or green hair hyunsuk back pls? pic.twitter.com/4E57fsTAZu
— RII7E/NCT/ZB1 pink blood (@svnshynie_) November 28, 2023
I’m so tired of this shit. CA or not, that hair so fucking ugly and i need their stylist and hyunsuk himself to know that. Let’s stop pretending his style is cool and not goofy. That silly hair is taking away all the attention right now. IM SO DONE pic.twitter.com/4YQqIur1nK
— 츄피 (@Aiur314) November 28, 2023
Seeing this, international fans agreed and left posts on X, urging both Hyunsuk and TREASURE to change his hair immediately.
On the other hand, TREASURE won the "Galaxy Neo Flip Artist" trophy during the 2023 MAMA Awards held on November 28. Day 2 will continue on the 29th and will be participated by the new artist lineup and set of winners.
READ MORE HERE: 2023 MAMA Awards Winners Announced (Day 1) — See Full List Here!
For more K-Pop news and updates, keep your tabs open here at KpopStarz.
KpopStarz owns this article.
Written by Eunice Dawson.
