(G)I-DLE’s New Concept For “HWAA” Sparks Worry About Encouraging East Asian Cultural Stereotypes

(G)I-DLE‘s upcoming comeback with “HWAA” was highly anticipated by fans, given that the girls never fail to deliver. However, fans are concerned by what seems to be the concept the group is going for with this comeback.

Prior to this, fans were extremely excited when Soyeon stated that she had wanted to do a more traditionally “Korean” concept this time. However, while there were indeed some elements of that such as the gae-ryang hanbok (modernized hanbok)…

…other elements such as the fringed parasol…

…brightly patterned clothing and fans…

… Miyeon‘s hime-cut hairstyle and accessories…

… and the overall vibes that led many to feel as if the Korean concept was not delivered. Instead, many felt that it simply gave off what the West perceives as “oriental” symbols and icons.

• “I’m another group’s fan but even to me there’s no Korean feels at all…”
• “It’s a little bit off-putting as all of these is just what Westerners think of as oriental image. It feels like they put in lots of Chinese and Japanese elements but there’s no Korean feel at all”
• “I think they put in everything that Westerners think of as “oriental”… of course we have to see the entire MV but it’s true that it’s worrying”

On the other hand, others have defended the concept, explaining that ““HANN” was expressing a severe concept so the clothes were white, while “HWAA” represents flowers so they were wearing colorful clothing. On the other hand, “HWAA” is also representing fire so they wear red, so why are we wearing that it looks like hanafuda or Chinese? All these props that people claim look Chinese or Japanese are also used in Korea and is a commonality in East Asia. Miyeon’s hime-cut also doesn’t look very Chinese or Japanese.”

The full music video drops on January 11, 2021. Check out the teaser below.