K-pop's Double Standards: Why Is It Always Hwasa Being Criticized for Unconventional Outfits?
From her "braless movement" to "Britney Spears" homage 'fit, MAMAMOO Hwasa continues to be criticized for her clothing.
Why are "underboob" and "visible underwear" okay until she does it?
MAMAMOO Hwasa Receives Sympathy: 'She was treated like a criminal...'
MAMAMOO Hwasa once again left turmoil in the K-pop industry as she was heavily criticized for "reforming" a school uniform in "Knowing Bros."
Although it was speculated to be a homage to Britney Spears' iconic look in "Baby One More Time," some accused her of "sexualizing minors" by wearing school uniform like a bra top.
ALSO READ: Sexualizing School Uniform? Hwasa Sparks Controversy Anew Following Her R-19 Stage Issue
As a result, she met the ire of Koreans again, and it wasn't even long after she was sued by a parent organization for allegedly showing "obscenity" during a university festival.
In a popular forum then, one online user expressed their honest thoughts about the issue.
"Why are people only making a fuss about Hwasa?"
"It was common for female guests in the past to reform their school uniforms like that, but she was treated like a criminal. I feel sorry for Hwasa."
In the post, OP shared photos of other female stars wearing "reformed" school uniforms, and those worn by Song Jia and BLACKPINK Lisa actually resembled Hwasa's 'fit.
So why is it always Hwasa getting criticized?
K-Netz Discuss K-pop's Double Standards In Light of Hwasa's Controversy
Among K-pop idols, BLACKPINK Jennie is considered a top fashion icon, who brought the "underboob" and "visible thongs/underwear" trend in the K-pop scene.
More idols such as HyunA, Sandara, BIBI Hyoyeon, etc., followed the trend, and rather than being criticized, their confidence was celebrated instead for igniting women's freedom in terms of clothing.
Unfortunately, when Hwasa did the "braless movement" and showed the "women's freedom" most Koreans advocate for, she was berated for being "indecent," "obscene" and "sexual."
With this, netizens pointed out that they couldn't think of any reason Hwasa was being criticized other than it's due to her visuals deemed unfitting with Korea's beauty standards.
Contrary to the skinny, doll-like facial features and fair skin requirements of Koreans to be considered "beautiful," Hwasa broke this stereotype with her curvy physique and tanned skin.
Aside from pushing the "conservative and pure" idol, Hwasa also started the image of having confidence and showing an honest self on and off stage.
- "I think people are more like that because they think Hwasa is ugly. If a pretty idol wears it, they are going to compliment her for being sexy, but they definitely don't want to see someone saying 'I'm pretty and sexy' if that person doesn't fit their beauty standard."
- "A lot of people wore similar outfits, but they talked about women's rights and acted like it's witch hunting when it comes to Hwasa."
What are your thoughts on this?
READ MORE: How K-pop's Outfit Standard Changes: Hwasa's 'No Bra' vs. Jennie's 'Underboob'
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Written by Eunice Dawson.
