Following his appearance at the 2023 MAMA Awards, TREASURE Hyunsuk received raised brows from K-pop fans.

Why is it getting mixed opinions?

(Photo : TREASURE Hyunsuk (News1 | Pann Nate))

TREASURE Hyunsuk Shocks With Braided Hair + Fans Call Idol Out for Cultural Appropriation

On November 28, the Day 1 of the 2023 MAMA Awards was held at the Tokyo Dome in Japan. On this day, a star-studded lineup of K-pop artists joined the annual awards ceremony, including TREASURE.

During the red carpet, the group flaunted their unrivaled visuals and while most of the members showed their fancy and dashing looks in suit and tie, one member particularly drew attention for his unconventional style.

On top of it, he surprised people with his braided hair - and that member is none other than Hyunsuk!

(Photo : TREASURE (News1))

ALSO READ: TREASURE Hyunsuk In Hot Water Over Alleged Attitude Shift— But Fans Are Rallying Behind The Idol

Upon seeing it, he not only sparked debate and criticism from Korean fans but he was also called out by international fans.

On the social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), international TEUMEs (TREASURE fandom) were disappointed that the idol had braids at the front resembling box braids, and apparently a two-braid cornrow look, hairstyle unique to black people.

(Photo : Hyunsuk (News1))

(Photo : Hyunsuk (News1))

He was then accused of cultural appropriation, and people were more frustrated as this wasn't the only time he was scolded and educated for doing so.

On the flip side, other TEUMEs defended the idol from cultural appropriation claims stating that he was wearing normal braids, but went on by criticizing his "ugly" hairstyle.

Fans blamed the idol's stylist and YG Entertainment for letting Hyunsuk go out with such hair, who is now taking the jab from netizens.

Korean TEUMEs Plead TREASURE Hyunsuk to Bring Back His Black Hair

(Photo : Hyunsuk (News1))

While international fans often clashed with Korean fans, this time, they were one about Hyunsuk's unfitting and unflattering hair at the 2023 MAMA Awards.

In Korean online communities, K-Netz and TEUMEs regretted the idol's hairstyle choices, urging him to just bring back either his black or brown hair.

(Photo : Hyunsuk (Pann Nate))

(Photo : Hyunsuk (Pann Nate))

To them, he looks better with his natural hair, and his stunning visuals stand out even more. Korean fans left comments such as:

• "Ah, I can see why fans are in rage right now... I feel bad for him."
• "He was so pretty back then..."
• "Bring back his black hair!"
• "Is that hair his own decision? I want to support him but this is not really it."
• "Please give him black hair..."

Seeing this, international fans agreed and left posts on X, urging both Hyunsuk and TREASURE to change his hair immediately.

On the other hand, TREASURE won the "Galaxy Neo Flip Artist" trophy during the 2023 MAMA Awards held on November 28. Day 2 will continue on the 29th and will be participated by the new artist lineup and set of winners.

READ MORE HERE: 2023 MAMA Awards Winners Announced (Day 1) — See Full List Here!

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Written by Eunice Dawson.