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Are Koreans offended by being 'educated'? Blackpink, Ateez's cultural appropriation causes buzz

After Hongjoong asked Ateez fans to hold them accountable if they ever did something wrong, fans are looking for better ways to reach out to Yunho

There have been a rising number of incidents involving insensitive and racist comments, fat-shaming, and cultural appropriation in K-pop that has led to an intense debate among fandoms. Enhypen’s Sunoo was fat-shamed on multiple accounts by his own group while English-speaking idols who are aware of racism are seen mouthing the N-word, as seen in aespa Giselle’s case. On July 17, Blackpink’s Jennie was slammed for wearing cornrows on HBO’s ‘The Idol’ while Ateez’s Yunho joked that wearing a pirate costume was perfect to play ‘Indian Poker’. A cultural studies professor then shared that it was the lack of ethnic diversity in South Korea and lack of interest that leads to continuous cultural appropriation in K-pop.

Fans mass emailed Ateez’s label in educating Yunho which led to Koreans speculating as to why idols continue with their ignorant remarks despite the Internet calling them out. This follows the Blackpink incident where just months before Jennie’s stylistic choice, Lisa had apologized for wearing box braids. Koreans feel that the term ‘educate’ and the way international fans try to teach idols have something to do with it.

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Why ‘educate’ is a trigger word for Koreans

Canadian-Korean YouTubers Danny and David Kim of the DKDKTV channel who cover K-pop news from a Western approach had shared that the term ‘educate’ in Korean held a negative meaning. Ateez fans brought back the clip while addressing Yuno’s situation. The YouTubers referred to Japanese imperialism in Korea and how it had affected certain words, “For Korean culture [‘educate’ and ‘ignorance’], yes [it is offensive]. I don’t educate you…that comes from a place of authority and superiority. That word [‘educate’] is a very triggering word.” 

During the Japanese rule, Koreans were not allowed to use their mother tongue and were forced to learn Japanese. A lot of witness accounts share that they were treated like second-class citizens and were made to do manual labor. The Emperor tried to erase Korean culture and impose their Japanese culture by teaching it to Koreans. Apart from this forced education of the Japanese lifestyle, DKDTV also looked at the literal translation of ‘educate’ and why a different word would be better.

They said, “I understand if you translate [‘educate’] into Korean…it’s like you are training a dog…the connotation, it’s more like 'train'.” They suggested, “We live in two different worlds…the Western world’s understanding of race is completely different…you can’t approach Korean people with the same lingo.” This argument was further seen in action with the way some Korean fans had been offended that an international fan had tried to ‘educate’ Blackpink's Lisa about box braids at a fansign.

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'Keep an open mind'

Fans made tweets like, “Generally, we ask that you avoid using Korean if you do not fully understand the language. There are many nuances that can easily get lost in translation. A phrase that may not be disrespectful in one language can be in another. Again, please keep an open mind. Thank you.” Another shared, “Btw don’t use the word “educate” when you are talking about telling Korean idols what they did wrong or what’s wrong and to not do it again.... that word holds a lot of history w Japanese imperialism so please use other variants of the word  or something . Just not that.”

A non-Korean fan pointed out, “In my opinion we should respect their history trauma at first, or we just making the same mistake when accusing them.” Another said, “I'm sorry but can yall stop using the word "educate". It means that you're in a "higher position" in many asian countries as well as korea.” One pointed out the irony of calling out idols who were simply ignorant, “Well native or not, OP is right people can be unaware of things and shouldn't be insulted and labelled as racist for hurt they did not intend. For example you used a word "educate them" which in Korea is highly offensive due to it's imperialist, dehumanising connotations…”

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.