The K-Pop industry, known for its global charm and lucid image, has faced significant disputes This year, which ranges from cultural insensitivity to exploitation concerns. These accidents have aroused a widespread debate between fans, critics and professionals in the sector.
The following are the most significant disputes that have reached the K-pop sector so far in 2025.
Cultural appropriation by the kiss of life
One of the most spoken disputes involved the group of girls Kiss of Life. The group faced a repercussions after hosting a HIP-HOP Themed Livestream Party On April 2, where members dressed in exaggerated hip-hop clothing and used pseudo-black accents. The critics accused them of deriding black culture and perpetuating stereotypes.
Despite the excuses issued by their agency, S2 Entertainment and the members themselves, the accident led to a loss of over 200,000 followers on Instagram and intensified requests for training cultural sensitivity in the K-pop sector.
Blackpink’s N-Word scandal
Another great controversy focused on Blackpink after the old hearing videos emerged showing the members of Jennie, Rosé and Lisa Using the word n while singing together with the lyrics of the songs. Although these events occurred before their debut, fans and critics have requested responsibility for both the group and their agency, YG Entertainment.
Concerns of exploitation in “Under15”
The “Under15” audition show has aroused fierce critics for characterizing eight -year -old competitors who performed provocative routines. The promotional materials that show minors in strong tricks and revealing clothes have aroused indignation for the sexualization of children. The recourse led to the cancellation of the show before his premiere on March 31st. Critics condemned the program to reduce young participants to “products” marketed for public consumption.
Poaching accusations
The industry has also seen the growing disputes on the poaching of the accusations. MS Entertainment accused rapper Mc Mong and chapal gazon of tampering with Exo-Cbx members in the middle of their legal battle for contracts. Similar accusations have arisen involving other groups such as Omega X and fifty fifty.
Newjeans
One of the main issues in progress is the legal dispute between Newjeans and their agency, Adora branch of Hybe. The group announced their departure from Ador at the end of 2024, citing alleged mistreatment and violations of the contract. Member Hanni testified in front of the National Assembly on harassment and bullying in the workplace. This conflict has led to public debates on the validity of the contract, the rights of artists and the dynamics of power between agencies and idols. The case also fueled the accusations of “tampering”, in which the artists are presumably encouraged to interrupt contracts and sign with new agencies.
