Miu Miu is earning the ire of Chinese netizens after unveiling their latest collection, and IVE member Jang Wonyoung may be the reason why.
On May 21, Miu Miu took to their Instagram account to share their new lingerie collection. Surprisingly, their posts came under fire from a series of comments by Chinese netizens. The comments primarily criticized the international fashion brand's ongoing collaboration with Jang Wonyoung, claiming that enlisting her as their ambassador is disrespectful to their country.
Many left comments claiming they would boycott and stop supporting the brand if they continued to work with Jang Wonyoung. Some comments read:
- "Why is Miu Miu still collaborating with the girl who committed cultural appropriation?"
- "We are not satisfied with a global ambassador who steals from culture."
- "The brand is supporting those bad behaviors."
- "I will unfollow Miu Miu."
- "Please speak up, Miu Miu."
- "If you don't want to lose the Chinese market, change your ambassador!"
- "Boycott Jang Wonyoung."
But what is the reason for the hate? In April, IVE released their latest single "HEYA," marking their return to the K-pop scene after more than six months.
The comeback was well-received for its catchy tempo, gorgeous aesthetics, and visually stunning music video. However, the release was not well-received by Chinese netizens, who immediately accused IVE and their company, Starship Entertainment, of copying and stealing Chinese culture for the music video.
The imagery in the "HEYA" music video is, according to the IVE members, influenced by traditional Korean elements. However, upon its release, IVE was accused of using Chinese cultural elements to promote traditional Korean culture, which sparked a major backlash online.
IVE’s HEYA is inspired by traditional Korean folklore both visually and narratively. The MV is based on an original folk tale titled “The Tiger Who Loved the Sun”. IVE play six tigers who love the sun so much they want to eat it to be filled by its light. #IVE_SWITCH #IVE #HEYA pic.twitter.com/A9GjBoXjuk
— Bookish Theories (@BookishT_S) April 29, 2024
Elements used in the music video such as gombangdae pipes, watercolor paintings, coin patterns, flower-embroidered shoes, and three-pepper fans were pointed out by many Chinese netizens as originating from China. Many were upset that in interviews, IVE claimed these aspects are Korean rather than Chinese.
What the...... Can Korean idol groups stop plagiarizing Chinese culture?#IVE_HEYA_TEASER
— 狐森 (@foxy_CN) April 28, 2024
#IVE_HEYA_TEASER ）Korean kpop group keeps stealing Chinese culture. #Chineseculture pic.twitter.com/hJVSjedAkH
— Rafayelnoxin (@RafayelXanadu) April 30, 2024
Stop cultural appropriation, these are chinese knots！！！#ive #IVE #IVE_HEYA_TEASER #culturalappropriation pic.twitter.com/nTQGEEVsFy
— yewei (@yewei731812) May 2, 2024
CHECK THIS OUT : IVE Jang Wonyoung Causes Stir With Stunning Visuals at Miu Miu Event: 'She's A Living Doll...'
As a result of this controversy, IVE faced a backlash from many Chinese fans, impacting their reputation in Mainland China. Additionally, as Jang Wonyoung is currently a global ambassador for Miu Miu, the fashion brand also found itself caught in the crossfire, receiving backlash from Chinese netizens.
While Starship Entertainment, has yet to address these accusations, many believe that the elements in the music video showcase cultural overlaps seen among East Asian countries. Therefore, IVE did not copy from Chinese culture.
What do you think of the situation? Tell us in the comments below!
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Written by Alexa Lopez
