K-Pop Star Blasted For Cultural Appropriation In His Comeback Teasers
Korean singer-songwriter from20 (also known as Raehwan) has sparked major backlash online after the release of teaser images for his upcoming single, “Eye Candy.”
The track is set to drop on April 11, but the release has already become controversial as image teasers posted on April 3 have led to massive criticism from fans and international netizens alike.
The controversy stems from the styling seen in the promotional images. In the teasers, from20 appears in a white tank top and a matching durag, posing against a bright pink backdrop. Once shared on his company’s social media channel, the posts received heavy backlash. Many fans quickly pointed out the cultural insensitivity behind the look.
Durags are historically worn by Black people as a protective hair accessory and have since become deeply rooted in Black fashion and cultural identity. Over the years, they’ve also become a symbol of self-expression for the Black community. Because of this, when non-Black individuals wear them without acknowledging their origin or significance, it’s labeled as cultural appropriation.
so it’s really just fuck black folks huh pic.twitter.com/yboVpAvrt2
— Niya ᥫ᭡ molo 4/7 (@HeeHoonnn4J) April 3, 2025
GOT DAMN WHO IS SUPPLYIN YALL THESE DURAGS?! https://t.co/SM3tNFTOfb pic.twitter.com/UuQSN4Z0Fv
— ★Løki⁷⁺¹ ᵕ̈🛸🦦🍉★ ᵏᶦʳᵇʸ (@KY0RBY) April 3, 2025
As such, from20 has been receiving a lot of criticism and backlash.
is it black history month in korea wtf is going on 😭😭 https://t.co/E34Bsonl8M
— Naevis -77.82X-78.29 (@naevisualizer) April 3, 2025
Ok so clearly it must be fuck black ppl week …. https://t.co/iUowHmDbkP pic.twitter.com/85R2i6DLqN
— Mai (@punkrockateez) April 3, 2025
it must be "fuck black people" month in korea https://t.co/pGBpHGaWne pic.twitter.com/opSuWqFtym
— miia is seeing tyler, the creator 🫶🏽 (@pexchymia) April 3, 2025
Unfortunately, this incident adds to a growing list of similar controversies in the K-Pop industry. Just recently, the global girl group XG received backlash for including durags in their merchandise drop.
Popular Group Under Fire For Selling “Durags” As Official Merch
KISS OF LIFE also came under fire after members appeared in a live stream wearing items and hairstyles associated with racial stereotypes — including cornrows, Bantu knots, hats, and oversized gold chains.
KISS OF LIFE Under Fire For Cultural Appropriation In Birthday Livestream
As of now, from20 has not issued a statement addressing the issue. With the single just days away from release, many are watching to see how the situation will unfold.
