Due to recent issues, I feel the need to get this off my chest. It started with a few things and gradually became bigger, with some things being taken out of context.
This issue is very subjective, and people have the right to feel angry or upset. I understand that. But I hope those feelings are directed only at the facts.
Important keywords to keep in mind while reading this; Individual’s perception, individual’s opinion, intention, education, feelings.
1. “They know what they did. One of the members even said it on bubble before the live stream was aired.”
- When she said, “…promise you won’t leave the fandom after watching it,” what she meant was that the way they looked or acted was completely different from what fans might expect to see with the intention to be funny, not being aware that their actions might be interpreted in an offensive way. Before I was aware of this issue, to me, it seemed like they were role-playing as underground rappers in Korea. After learning more about the culture, I understand that it went too far. It may be the same for the Asian KISSYs as I saw them being clueless at first too, when people told them to delete the clips.
- If you're a fan since last year and understand Korean, you would likely know exactly what she meant by the bubble message.
- There was an incident where Belle received criticism for doing a dance cover challenge of a male idol while screaming. This happened during a mini fan meeting, in a segment called “A challenge you’d never expect that member to do.”
- Some people misunderstood and thought Belle hated the challenge, but in reality, she was just embarrassed because she had to do something completely opposite to her natural personality, something she wasn’t used to.
2. “They were eating soul food”
- At the beginning of the live, Julie introduced the food. It was actually Thai food. The green dish that you saw was Thai Morning Glory.
- Because of the food shown, it looked like the live was pre-recorded while they were in Thailand (the coca cola wording was Thai). No one would want to throw them under the bus for this especially before the Asia tour and comeback.
- This shows that both the company and the girls had no idea what they did could be interpreted the wrong way. It clearly wasn’t their intention in the first place.
- However, perception is powerful, and this is a sensitive issue due to cultural context. You have the right to be upset because how you perceive something is valid, and your feelings while watching it matter.
- I also believed S2 should’ve done research when they decided on the theme. As fans know, S2 entertainment doesn't have many staff. They have been flying and doing schedules everywhere, preparing for the upcoming comeback. I assumed they had not gotten time to do the research properly.
- I highly recommend S2 to have their translators translate their live stream done on YouTube as soon as possible in the future to avoid things taken out of context.
3. “They were both Americans. They should know this”
- Belle grew up in Seattle until she was 8 years old and then continued her education in South Korea.
- Julie grew up in Hawaii until she was 13 years old then moved to South Korea.
- Was this issue being taught in schools during their time when they lived in the U.S? (Genuinely asking for clarity).
- If we think back to the 2010s, hip-hop was booming internationally. Many people were listening to the genre. When Julie moved to South Korea, her father encouraged her to explore hip-hop dance classes. That’s when she started to love hip-hop and listen to more of the music.
- Julie drew musical inspiration from hip-hop and eventually transitioned from ballet to hip hop because of that influence.
4. “Julie apologized for the past video but now she’s doing it again”
- At the time, people pointed out one mistake she did, and she learned from that one mistake and officially apologized. [Picture attached]
- But when it comes to culture, we can’t expect someone to fully understand the identity, depth, history, and significance of another culture entirely on their own. Especially when they’re in a completely different environment.
- I believe the education systems around the world mainly focus on their own country’s history and culture. Unless the person is pursuing higher education specifically focused on the topic.
5. “Tyla unfollowed”
- She never followed in the first place. Someone posted edited pictures of her following. [Picture attached]
6. “Haneul’s hairstyle”
- I am not sure if it was wrong or not. I saw people posting that it was wrong, but when I asked people who lived in the U.S., they said it wasn’t really a problem. She has done this hairstyle during Show Champion, but no one pointed out the mistake back then, but now it was pointed out. Hence, it showed that they weren’t aware of this. If it was pointed out during that time, I’m sure she will not do it again.
Lastly, I want to say you have the right to be upset, disappointed, and mad, but please don’t hate KISSYs who are going to their concerts during this Asia tour. There are people who worked their ass off to earn money for months, and nothing can be refunded at this point. Please let them go in peace without making them feel guilty. It’s not easy to burn money just like that. They might take it as a closing chapter for them with the girls.