K-Netz Recall 'Provocative' Outfit Trend in K-pop Before: 'They don't dress idols like these anymore...'

In an online community, K-netizens recalled the "provocative" unconventional outfits worn by idols 16 years ago. Why doesn't the K-pop scene see the same trend now?

On December 29, an internet user sparked a discussion after posting Seo In Young's outfits for her "I Want You" stage released 16 years ago in 2007.

The OP particularly claimed that the outfit was provocative in that era, then sparking debate among netters and K-pop fans.

Seo In Young's 'I Want You' Stage Outfits From 16 Years Ago Garner Praises

In the post, the OP shared photos of the former Jewelry member and first-gen idol Seo In Young wearing unconventional 'fits for her solo debut, "I Want You," in which she uses the stage name, Elly.

The author wrote:

"I heard Seo In Young's song, 'I Want You' and I liked it so much that I looked it up. I was a bit shocked to see her on stage in those outfits. It was very bold. It seemed to fit her sexy image, but I was a bit surprised.

It was 2007. Was it that extreme back in the day?"

In the photos, Seo In Young flaunted a crop top and denim panty shorts. Known for being the "sexy member" of the girl group Jewelry, she was lauded for her hourglass figure and slender legs that compliment her slightly tanned skin.

K-Netz then recalled her popularity back then, leaving comments such as:

• "I used to like this song."
• "I feel like her outfit really suits the song."
• "Wow, this is freaking hot. The fact that she has a tanned complex makes her sexier."
• "But her body line is so gorgeous that she was seen as pretty rather than sexy."

K-Netizens Discuss 'Provocative' Outfits Then & Now

Seeing Seo In Young's photos, there are fans who were shocked to know that idols do it more extreme before than now.

• "I remember those panty-like denim shorts were so popular."
• "It was popular at one time. A lot of women wear hip pants. There was a time when it was okay to show your buttocks if you sat down wearing hip pants."
• "It was called the hip bone fashion at the time. But even by the standards of the time, it was a little unconventional."

Considering that Koreans are conservative when it comes to sexy concepts, netters are surprised that unconventional clothing that exposed the hip bone was even allowed at the time.

In comparison today where a little skin shown can make an idol become a target of hateful comments and criticism, younger fans said:

• "It's amazing if someone can pull it out again."
• "They don't dress idols like these anymore."
• "So it was like that in the past. It has all become a memory."

• "I was in elementary watching that when I thought, 'Can I dress like that? I wanted to. Even now, it still looks amazing."
• "These days, the trend is to shorten the skirts to see the underpants."
• "It seems like there were more unconventional outfits before than now."

READ MORE: THIS Singer's Husband Drops 'Divorce' Bombshell— What Went Wrong in Their Short-Lived Marriage?

For more K-Pop news and updates, keep your tabs open here at KpopStarz.

KpopStarz owns this article.

Written by Eunice Dawson.