P1Harmony’s Concept Sparks Debate On “Educated And Woke” Idols

Many are surprised after Keeho’s words on the subject.
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P1Harmony‘s viral concept has sparked unexpected debate online.

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P1Harmony | FNC Entertainment

P1Harmony are currently scheduled to make their comeback on September 20 with their 7th mini-album, SAD SONG. So far, the group have released several image and video teasers, including for the album’s title track.

Days before this, the group released a concept video titled “OUT OF CONTEXT ____,” featuring a track likely from the album. The video shows the group members assembling before an outfit change, and is visually striking.

However, the visuals have also sparked some debate and controversy online.

Halfway through the video, the members have a Sailor Moon-esque transformation into outfits featuring large white tee-shirts, scarves, and jeans.

These same outfits are featured in the group’s track sampler as a hip-hop heavy sounding track is played.

This clip, primarily featuring Intak was posted online, going viral as many discussed his look. While he is wearing a scarf, many felt it was meant to look like a durag, a protective hair covering worn by Black People.

Many felt that it was meant to mimic Black people, which is a form of cultural appropriation.

This criticism also caused what was said in a previous interview by Keeho to resurface.

During an interview with Zach Sang in 2022, when asked by the host if cultural appropriation was on their minds when coming up with their look, Keeho answered affirmatively.

I believe it’s a responsibility and I also feel like if you’re gonna have that big of a platform, you need to be able to respect and appreciate all cultures without appropriating them. Whenever it comes to our styling, our music, or whatever — it’s always a sensitive topic that we always have to think once, three times, four times about in every step of the way, visually or musically or the language itself. Obviously there’s AAVE and a whole bunch of other cultural stuff that is very sensitive and so we need to respect that, and I feel like it’s a responsibility to, so I feel like it’s something that we’re always thinking about and taking action about.

— Keeho

With this in mind, many have questioned how this concept came about.

On the other hand, others have pointed out that it is not Keeho’s responsibility and that he may not have control over the outfits and concepts performed by the group.

 

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