K-pop, the Korean cultural wave, is increasingly reaching out to the world, attracting young talents from everywhere. However, cultural diversity also poses considerable challenges, especially for foreign K-pop idols. The case of Wang Yiren, the Chinese member of the girl group EVERGLOW, is a prime example. The Wang Yiren scandals have exposed complex cultural “collisions,” leaving behind costly lessons for both artists and the entertainment industry.
“Collision” Number One: When “Keun Jeol” Meets “Clasping Hands”
One of the most controversial Wang Yiren EVERGLOW scandals was her failure to perform ‘keun jeol’ (a deep bow) during a New Year’s greeting with the group. In Korean culture, ‘keun jeol’ is an act of showing deep respect to elders or superiors. However, in Chinese culture, a similar action is usually reserved for the deceased or in solemn rituals. This difference created a fierce wave of controversy on social media. Some Korean netizens argued that she disrespected Korean culture and did not ‘follow local customs.’ Conversely, many Chinese and international fans defended her, arguing that she did nothing wrong by adhering to the customs of her country. This incident highlighted the different interpretations of cultural actions between the two countries.
“Collision” Number Two: “Xinjiang Cotton” and the Backlash
Another controversy surrounding Wang Yiren involved the “Xinjiang cotton” issue. When she shared a post supporting Xinjiang cotton, a topic tied to allegations of forced labor, it sparked strong backlash from a segment of the Korean public. The issue is highly political and has significantly impacted her career in Korea. This incident highlighted the complexities faced by foreign K-pop idols in balancing patriotism with their careers in another country.
Other “Collisions” and Yuehua Entertainment’s Crisis Management
In addition to the two major Wang Yiren EVERGLOW scandals mentioned above, other issues also contributed to the overall situation. Her previous remarks about feeling ‘restricted’ when speaking Chinese were brought to light, further intensifying the controversy. Yuehua Entertainment’s crisis management came under heavy criticism, with the company’s silence and lack of clear responses worsening the situation. This highlights the importance of having an effective crisis management strategy, especially for foreign K-pop idols.
Pressure and Racism in K-pop
The Yiren scandals are not just personal issues but reflect the pressures foreign K-pop idols face in adapting to a new culture. Unfortunately, during the controversy, some netizens made racist remarks about her within the K-pop community. This highlights a dark side of the entertainment industry, where prejudice and discrimination continue to persist.
A Costly Lesson
The case of Wang Yiren highlights key lessons for the K-pop industry. It emphasizes the importance of respecting cultural differences, particularly for foreign idols, and the need for management companies to provide strong support and protection. The situation also illustrates the challenge of balancing personal identity with market demands and the influence of politics on an artist’s career. The scandals surrounding her serve as a wake-up call for both the industry and artists about the complexities and pressures of working in a multicultural environment.
