4th Gen Group’s Agency Apologizes For Massively Offensive Use Of Islamic Prayer Mat — Netizens Not Buying It

Many feel the act was intentional by the company.
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Recently, the boy group VANNER faced criticism over imagery in some official goods.

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VANNER | KLAP Entertainment

A few weeks ago, VANNER announced their season’s greetings. The initial preview only showed a blurred version of what appeared to be the cover, along with details about its contents.

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| KLAP Entertainment

The first few teaser images were revealed in early December, including one showing the members seated around a table with what appeared to be a rug and dynamite on top. The season’s greetings features a spy-esque theme, so this initially did not seem out of place.

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| KLAP Entertainment

However, what appeared to be a rug was identified as a prayer mat used to create a barrier between the individual and the ground. While other religions use prayer mats and rugs, they are most associated with Islam as they are used during prayers, which happen multiple times daily.

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Embed from Getty Images

While misusing the prayer mat as a decoration would be considered offensive to many, this was only made more severe by the placement of a bomb and guns on top. Muslims have faced discrimination based on the stereotype that all followers of the faith align with those who have extremist or terroristic views, and this could be viewed as a mockery of this.

On December 12, VANNER’s company, KLAP Entertainment, addressed the complaints from netizens, issuing an apology.

Hello, this is KLAP Entertainment.

We have identified that some props used during the VANNER (배너) 2025 SEASON’S GREETINGS photoshoot contain religious symbolism. As a result, we have taken steps to delete the concept photos featuring those props and have initiated a complete revision and reinspection of the photobook.

Although there was no intention to impart any religious meaning through the props, we sincerely apologize to anyone who may have been hurt by this oversight.

We promise to conduct more thorough reviews in the future to prevent similar incidents. Please note that the modification of these images will not affect the delivery schedule of the Season’s Greetings.

Thank you.

— KLAP Entertainment

This is the second time recently that the company has had to apology specifically for the misuse of Islamic imagery following Kep1er’s Yujin wearing a shirt featuring image of the Kaaba.

Girl Group Stars Hit With Backlash For Wearing Controversial T-Shirt Disrespectful To Islam

Due to this, and the placement of guns and a bomb, many netizens felt that it was done intentionally rather than accidentally as the company claimed.

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