Chinese netizens believe IVE stole and appropriated Chinese culture in their latest music video for "HEYA."

On April 29, 2024, IVE made their much-anticipated comeback with their second mini-album, "IVE SWITCH." With that, IVE released the music video for their lead single, "HEYA."

While it was well-loved by DIVEs (IVE's fandom name), Chinese netizens were not as impressed.

IVE Hones in on Korean Culture in 'HEYA' Music Video

IVE made their comeback on April 29, dropping the lead single "HEYA" and its music video on that day. The girl group showed off their status as fourth-generation it girls with the release of their new song.

However, Chinese netizens were not happy with the music video, with people claiming the girl group was appropriating and stealing Chinese culture.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: IVE Jang Wonyoung Opens up on Scrutiny Female Idols Face in Latest Song

Previously, IVE revealed the song was inspired by an original fold story titled "The Tiger Who Loved the Sun." The story was made by the members of IVE themselves. The girls placed their own unique spin on the traditional story genre while still preaching their message of self-love.

IVE’s HEYA is inspired by traditional Korean folklore both visually and narratively. The MV is based on an original folk tale titled “The Tiger Who Loved the Sun”. IVE play six tigers who love the sun so much they want to eat it to be filled by its light. #IVE_SWITCH #IVE #HEYA pic.twitter.com/A9GjBoXjuk

— Bookish Theories (@BookishT_S) April 29, 2024

The music video for "HEYA" contained several traditional Korean concepts. It can be seen in almost all aspects, from the set design to the costumes. The girl group mentioned in several interviews that they wanted to show off their Korean roots, and they did.

love the references to Korean traditional paintings and tales in IVE’s Heya sm pic.twitter.com/nCUmoowWAT

— . ˚◞♡ blue ꕤ (@velvetmelodyy) April 24, 2024

YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN: IVE Jang Wonyoung Claims She Saw a UFO, But Her Members Aren't Convinced

They made use of several traditional Korean elements, such as jeogori, norigae, tobacco pipes, and traditional fans. Leader Ahn Yujin stated, "It is important that we prepare the music video and costumes in a Korean style for 'HEYA.'"

Did IVE Steal Chinese Culture For Their 'HEYA' MV?

However, on the Chinese social media platform Weibo, netizens criticized the music video. Many questioned if the girl group was proudly "stealing" Chinese culture. They claimed the music video overused Chinese elements, with netizens stating the elements, such as fans, are Chinese.

No more cultural appropriation, nasty Koreans! You don't have a fan like this, you thieves! This fan is Chinese, there are many kinds of fans in China, the fan you stole this shape is only one of the Chinese fans, this fan originated in China#IVE_HEYA_TEASER pic.twitter.com/dCUNK3kx61

— Korean cultural appropriation (@shxqng1) April 29, 2024

CHECK THIS OUT: UNIS Gehlee Dangca Dubbed the 'Jang Wonyoung of the Philippines' Many netizens left comments on IVE's music video, telling them they should be ashamed of themselves. With that, they subtly claimed that Korea stole Chinese culture.

What the...... Can Korean idol groups stop plagiarizing Chinese culture?#IVE_HEYA_TEASER

— 狐森 (@foxy_CN) April 28, 2024

Some comments read,

• "Learn history before doing cultural appropriation."
• "Thank you for promoting traditional Chinese culture."
• "Wow, the entire music video is full of Chinese culture."

In other news, the music video for "HEYA" surpassed 9.2 million views in just 14 hours after its publication.

What do you think of the situation? Tell us in the comments below!

FOR YOU: 4 Female K-Pop Idols Who Are Prettier Than AI: aespa Karina, IVE Jang Wonyoung, MORE!

KpopStarz Owns This

Written by Alexa Lopez