Idols’ MET Gala Attendance Points To The “Problem” With K-Pop

There doesn’t seem to be a straightforward answer.
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Koreaboo

On May 6, the 2024 MET Gala took place, with dozens of worldwide stars in attendance. The event is a themed party meant to celebrate the featured exhibition, with this year’s being Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion.

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Christian Dior ball gowns from 1949 included in the exhibit. | Metropolitan Museum of Art

Sleeping Beauties is a collection of rare and delicate fashion pieces from across four decades connected through nature, where the theme “Garden of Time” came from.

Attendees are expected to wear extravagant, on-theme costumes and are criticized for playing it safe.

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This year’s K-Pop attendees included BLACKPINK‘s Jennie and Stray Kids, who all appeared on the event’s “red carpet.”

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BLACKPINK’s Jennie | @jennierubyjane/Instagram
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Stray Kids | Tommy Hilfiger

Their attendance has sparked discussion online centered around a “problem” in K-Pop.

Jennie and Stray Kids are not the first K-Pop idols to attend the MET Gala. In previous years, CL, BLACKPINK’s Rosé, NCT‘s Johnny, and GOT7‘s Jackson Wang have all been invited to attend.

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The problem being discussed has nothing to do with their presence at the event, but rather how they attend. This year, Jennie and Stray Kids received mixed reactions to their outfits, with many considering them “boring.”

A netizen’s viral tweet examined this, questioning why K-Pop idols who attend do not wear more extravagant outfits, considering past outfits worn by idols.

Another viral tweet seemingly provided the answer to this, saying that K-Pop fashion hasn’t been daring for a long time, with some exceptions.

When looking at criticism of K-Pop concepts over the last few years, many complaints stem from not being “wowed” by the styling. In comparison, K-Pop concepts used to be part of what non-fans knew the genre for.

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Orange Caramel

There is proof of this shift being partially encouraged by fans.

A member of the new group DXMON received mixed reactions for his “questionable styling” which replicated past hair styles done by K-Pop idols.

Fifth Gen K-Pop Boy Group’s Questionable Styling Earns Mixed Reactions From Netizens

Others pointed out that brand ambassadorships have also played a part in K-Pop fashion making a change. Especially with large international fashion houses, the clothing usually worn by ambassadors tends to play it safe.

While this “problem” may be a result of K-Pop fashion following current trends, only time will tell if more unique styling choices will return. In the meantime, netizens mentioned several idols who rocked fashion that was outside of the ordinary, including SHINee’s Key, NCT’s Taeyong, and Young Posse.

What are your thoughts on this matter?

 

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