There's a growing narrative highlighting the political progressiveness of K-pop fans. But the reality is far more complicated.
, though less common now, has brought plenty of A-list idols under fire. Artists also frequently stylize themselves after Black culture, and many cite Black music as a central influence.Natasha Mulenga for,"despite the impact Blackness has had on an industry that was reported at $5.4 billion ... in 2018."by other fans when bringing up racism.
"It feels really hard to be a POC in K-pop," says Dark."When some fans try to talk about internal racism or even cultural appropriation, it kind of gets pushed under the bed. People of color are shushed by other K-pop fans." That's why, for Dark, some K-pop fans jumping in online to support the Black Lives Matter movement feels hollow."Some people's gestures of 'being an ally' feels performative, like it's just on a surface level."
"Being a K-pop fan causes me lots of drama and issues mentally, because of the racism. But I feel it's almost worth it to have that connection to the world, to music, to all these different ideas. K-pop helps me learn about the world."
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