The topic of cultural appropriation in K-Pop is a conversation that has been had several times since K-Pop became a global phenomenon. It is a double-edged sword because whilst some fans have no problem with aspects of the cultural crossover, there are moments when it is taken too far.
If international fans feel offended by something that is done in K-Pop, it is right for the industry to take care of global fans' opinions and learn to understand and respect them.
When idols wear certain cultural hairstyles it is often called 'cultural appropriation.' Entertainment companies and their styling teams are often at fault for this, which is upsetting for fans.
Here are 3 ways for the K-Pop industry to better understand cultural appropriation.
1. Understanding the different hairstyles
Some of the biggest groups and artists have repeatedly worn hairstyles such as cornrows, dreadlocks, and other braided hairstyles (to name a few). They wear them without understanding where the hairstyle comes from. This means that they are appropriating black hair culture.
There are often cases when Koreans do not understand the hairstyle itself. Be it how the style is created or maintained, or how it differs from another hairstyle. There are many types of braids all over the world, created by many cultures. Each culture has traditions and reasons why they braid their hair or style it a certain way. It is important to respect these reasons.
For example, in Korea, many black hairstyles (cornrows, dreadlocks, braids, etc.) are called reggae hair (레게머리 - reggae meori). This shows a misunderstanding
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