IVE member Rei has sparked a heated debate online after a recent livestream showcased her with a tan Hello Kitty plushie that has been criticized for its insensitivity towards Black culture.

The clip, which has gone viral on X (formerly Twitter), features Rei presenting the doll dressed in camouflage-printed bottoms and using popular rap catchphrases like "gang gang" and "skrrt" in an attempt to give the plushie a "hip-hop style."

So one else finds it a bit weird that #REI from #IVE gets a tanning kitty and decides to give it camo boxers to look “hip hop” and then says “gang gang skrtt” or should we let this slight ignorance pass bc she said it in a cute way? #kpop pic.twitter.com/vz4MNSzULK

— nobodyyy (@ooooaaaaooaa1) July 29, 2024

So one else finds it a bit weird that Rei from IVE gets a tanning kitty and decides to give it camo boxers to look "hip hop" and then says "gang gang skrtt" or should we let this slight ignorance pass bc she said it in a cute way?

-ooooaaaaooaa1

The backlash from fans has been swift and sharp, particularly from the Black community.

Critics argue that Rei's actions perpetuate harmful stereotypes by associating a tanned doll with hip-hop culture superficially.

The use of African American Vernacular English (AAVE) to emphasize the plushie's new "style" has been seen as a form of cultural appropriation and micro-aggression, reinforcing stereotypes rather than appreciating the culture genuinely.

Idk why... But I'm sure that if the plushie was all white (like the original Hello kitty) Rei wouldn't have started doing all these gangs noises and all... 🧍🏾‍♀️ https://t.co/SHHKsikgJM

— 🍓||Anemie꩜ ⥉❣️ (@AnemieBS) July 29, 2024

Idk why... But I'm sure that if the plushie was all white (like the original Hello kitty) Rei wouldn't have started doing all these gangs noises and all...

-||Anemie

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One fan expressed their discontent on Twitter, saying, "rei is one of my ult biases and it was... questionable already seeing her put that camo 'hip hop' boxers on her tanned hello kitty but to make things worse, she said ... gang gang... skrt."

rei is one of my ult biases and it was… questionable already seeing her put that camo “hip hop” boxers on her tanned hello kitty but to make things worse, she said … gang gang… skrt😭….. https://t.co/zWsIFFp8Zk

— ken ·˚ ༘ (@knifes2heart) July 29, 2024

The tweet has been widely shared, reflecting the sentiment of many who feel that Rei's actions were out of touch and offensive.

this is honestly just so weird very much micro aggression whether she meant to you or not that's what it is pic.twitter.com/aTl4BkUihY

— iz myi (@ultsaebi) July 29, 2024

this is honestly just so weird very much micro aggression whether she meant to you or not that's what it is?

-ultsaebi

The incident highlights ongoing concerns within the K-Pop industry about cultural sensitivity and the need for comprehensive education on racial issues.

can we talk about how kpop idols need to stop referring to every single thing as hip hop.. like camo is not exclusive to hip hop culture at all.

wearing shades is not hip hop.
wearing neck jewelry is NOT hip hop.

COSPLAYING BLACK PEOPLE IS NOT HIP HOP.

fuck. https://t.co/kOL6QHr4F9

— kj 𖧵×𖧵 (@choibeomkj) July 30, 2024

can we talk about how kpop idols need to stop referring to every single thing as hip hop.. like camo is not exclusive to hip hop culture at all. wearing shades is not hip hop. wearing neck jewelry is NOT hip hop. COSPLAYING BLACK PEOPLE IS NOT HIP HOP. fuck.

 -choibeomkj

Critics argue that while K-pop often draws inspiration from Black culture, there is a noticeable lack of understanding and respect shown towards it.

instances like this just show how much stereotypes like this are normalized in their culture and it fucking sucks. we all know she didn’t have malicious intent but you have to acknowledge it’s still harmful and anyone offended has every right to be so don’t go trying to defend it https://t.co/aGZtcXSsYF

— ☆z 🫐 IVE SWITCH (@lionheartyujin) July 29, 2024

instances like this just show how much stereotypes like this are normalized in their culture and it fucking sucks. we all know she didn't have malicious intent but you have to acknowledge it's still harmful and anyone offended has every right to be so don't go trying to defend it 

-lionheartyujin 

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Written by Cassidy Jones.