ILLIT’s “Inappropriate” Safety Wear Sparks Debate
For music stages, idols often wear special and unique outfits that are only sometimes meant for dancing. There are many ways to fix this, including alterations like adding straps or fabric or even wearing them in ways different from their original.
Girl groups often wear dresses and skirts on stage and use safety shorts underneath to avoid any exposure. Safety shorts are usually black or colored, similar to whatever is being worn.
Recently, attention was called to the newly debuted group ILLIT‘s safety wear.
Following their debut, ILLIT have remained on the top of the charts with their first release, “Magnetic.”
The group have a youthful concept, in part because of the young ages of some of the members. This concept means that the group often wear more whimsical looks for their stage performances, like the outfits below.
However, recently, a netizen called attention to a part of ILLIT’s outfits that would have normally been disregarded.
In a post titled “ILLIT’s Safety Shorts? Underwear? Are Interesting!” the netizen shared photos of the members in action, revealing the safety shorts worn under their outfits.
Rather than the usual type, these shorts were closer to being bloomers. Bloomers are shorts or undergarments that are looser and usually more frilly.
Korean netizens on the post were left feeling uncomfortable, as bloomers have become associated with “Lolita” fashion. Some also felt the outfits intentionally made the group look younger.
- “It seems like something a real lolicon would like.”
- “Oh, I had no idea there are three members who are 21 years old. They all look cute and young, so I thought they were in middle or high school, but it turns out the majority are adults.”
- “Some Lolita sh*t. 🤮”
- “This is something that needs to be taken seriously… It’s an inch away from Lolita territory… If taken abroad, this is a concept that would get stoned and removed.”
On the other hand, some international fans had different feelings on the looks.
Some stated that bloomer style shorts have begun coming back in trend, while others questioned why attention was being paid to the safety shorts at all.
god forbid someone uses bloomers with their cute frilled victorian-esque dresses omfg y'all want these groups to be exact carbon copies and it's runing the industry. we want to see new thingspic.twitter.com/7fV3wgPgOJ https://t.co/tibZYOVtQK
— reigencel (@snatchedlucifer) May 10, 2024
Everyone in the qrts being so odd these are literally bloomers pls everyone leave illit alone bcs none of you have genuine intentions when it comes to them bloomers are also very trendy rn https://t.co/b8qQ5MFYSJ pic.twitter.com/YXyieJIs4V
— jimin (@imissumimi) May 10, 2024
this is so weird because it's just bloomers??? and 2nd of all why are you taking photos of a minors safety shorts? https://t.co/10nrRurbz5
— gen (@visualsforgen) May 10, 2024
Many are protective of young girls in K-Pop, so the attention paid to this matter could be considered as concern. On the other hand, policing the outfits that women wear because of others reactions is also something that is discouraged.