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Multiple K-Pop Stars Accused Of Appropriating Black Culture In Just One Week, Fans Outraged
“Being a Black K-Pop stan is exhausting.”
Koreaboo
In the span of just one week, three different K-Pop acts have come under fire for cultural appropriation, sparking massive backlash and reigniting conversations about the industry’s ongoing issues with respecting other cultures.
1. BLACKPINK
The string of controversies first began when old videos from their pre-debut era featuring BLACKPINK surfaced online. On March 30, a YouTube channel called Kim Mi Hyun Productions uploaded several clips that appeared to be pre-debut evaluation footage from YG Entertainment.
In some of the videos, BLACKPINK members Jennie, Lisa, and Rosé are seen covering rap songs that contain the N-word.
Blackpink rosé says n word for second time in new leaked clip pic.twitter.com/CERfRwjNPi
— Flop Kpop (@TheFlopKpop) April 2, 2025
im crying the biggest blackpink fanbase in indonesia post about compilation of ot3 saying n words😭 pic.twitter.com/tUIDqW6uap
— 🌷 (@EYESONJlSOO) March 31, 2025
Fans were quick to criticize the group — especially its fluent English speakers—for using the word and not taking responsibility. Jennie, Lisa, Rosé, their respective agencies, and YG Entertainment have yet to respond to the backlash.
Allegedly Leaked Videos Of BLACKPINK Saying The N-Word Surface Online
2. KISS OF LIFE
Not long after, rookie girl group KISS OF LIFE found themselves at the center of another controversy. During a livestream for member Julie’s birthday, the group appeared in what they described as “old-school hip hop” outfits.
Julie born in Hawaii said the n-word and apologized, Belle born in Seattle acting crazy, I actually liked Kiss of Life and I thought Julie’s apology was sincere but this proves that black people are just something you can make fun of but if you get blacklash your sorry pic.twitter.com/tFwEpyN8F9
— Katseye 🥖 (@aekatss) April 2, 2025
— aave struggle xeets (@aavenb) April 3, 2025
Fans pointed out that the members were dressed in stereotypical depictions of Black culture — wearing large gold chains, hats, and hairstyles such as cornrows. Viewers also called out the exaggerated mannerisms and freestyle rapping, which many felt crossed the line into offensive caricature.
What Kiss of Life did is modern day blackface and cultural mockery. Dressing up as Black people like we’re Halloween costumes, while indulging in exaggerated stereotypes? This wasn’t accidental. They sat down, planned this, and got dressed.
— ri (@ovryuri) April 2, 2025
a member having braids from the roots done, calling the other member lil taco, julie (in the past said a slur) telling them to come to her birthday party dressed as rappers, them “talking black” in the livestream….this is the worst i’ve seen 😭 https://t.co/tIk9XIxcG7
— 🧚🏾 (@usernmik) April 2, 2025
The group’s agency, S2 Entertainment, issued an apology shortly after the backlash.
KISS OF LIFE Under Fire For Cultural Appropriation In Birthday Livestream
3. from20
The most recent incident involves soloist from20, who is preparing to release a new single on April 11.
Teasers released on April 3 showed the singer wearing a white tank top and a durag, a look many netizens criticized for being culturally insensitive. Durags hold cultural significance within the Black community, often seen as symbols of identity. The use of such items by non-Black individuals without context or acknowledgment has repeatedly been called out as appropriation.
K-Pop Star Blasted For Cultural Appropriation In His Comeback Teasers
With three incidents surfacing so close together, fans have expressed growing frustration — not just at the actions themselves but also at the lack of accountability.
and kpop will pay for their crimes against the black community pic.twitter.com/Au9acZF5bT
— wooyo fans gender hunters (@thottywommy) March 30, 2025
first blackpink being the slur slingin slashers, now kiss of life doin black cosplay parties… black kpop stans lock your doors !!! pic.twitter.com/2GLoHp1XCD
— mae🫧 (@vantetoru) April 2, 2025
all jokes aside, being a black kpop stan is exhausting, man
— 𑁍ࠬܓ panda⁷✘ 🇨🇩🍉 (@njkoospanda) March 30, 2025
everytime an idol says the n word we have to endure the “well its not that serious/its an american issue” conversation from non black people. but if you say black people are the blueprint for kpop suddenly you’re pushing it
— ⋆˚𝜗𝜚˚⋆ (@hwahrt) April 1, 2025
Many are once again urging the K-pop industry to properly educate its artists and staff on cultural sensitivity and respect.