In a recent article titled "You've probably never heard of the biggest band at Glastonbury," BBC News introduced K-pop sensation SEVENTEEN in anticipation of their performance at the upcoming Glastonbury Festival in the UK.
However, what caught the attention of fans worldwide was BBC's disparaging mention of other prominent K-pop groups.
The article's tone took a derogatory turn when BBC referenced BTS, BLACKPINK, Stray Kids, and aespa, suggesting that their major hits were mainly the result of collaborations with Western artists like Selena Gomez, Lady Gaga, or Coldplay.
You've probably never heard of the biggest band at Glastonbury https://t.co/g9Yld8a8sh
— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) June 23, 2024
This sweeping generalization not only misrepresented the achievements of these groups but also undermined their individual successes.
Reacting to this, K-pop fans took to social media platforms to express their disappointment and frustration.
One fan tweeted, "BBC's ignorance is appalling. BTS, BLACKPINK, Stray Kids, and aespa have achieved immense success on their own merits. They deserve better recognition."
Another fan commented, "It's disappointing to see a reputable news outlet like BBC resorting to such careless remarks. aespa, for instance, has not collaborated with Western artists but has still made significant strides in the industry."
The misspelling of aespa's name in the article further added fuel to the fire, with fans pointing out the lack of attention to detail from a renowned media source.
The backlash against BBC's article has gained significant traction, with hashtags condemning the article trending across social media platforms.
Meanwhile, Sulli, a 25-year-old actress-singer and former member of the girl group f(x), was described by the BBC as a rebel within the conservative world of K-pop. Known for her outspoken nature, she faced significant criticism and cyberbullying for challenging industry norms.
Sulli spoke out on sensitive issues such as mental health, cyberbullying, and women's rights, which was uncommon in a society that typically expects K-pop idols to maintain a flawless and agreeable image. Despite initial success with f(x), Sulli took a hiatus due to malicious rumors and eventually left the group in 2015.
She continued to defy conventions, openly discussing her relationships and advocating for personal freedom in dress. Her death on October 14, 2019, highlighted the pressures and challenges faced by nonconforming female stars in the K-pop industry.
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Written by Cassidy Jones.
