Pentagon member Kino has come under heavy criticism following the release of his latest solo track, "CLUB SEX CIGARETTES." The music video, released last week, has sparked backlash among Korean netizens for its explicit imagery, with one scene in particular drawing sharp disapproval — Kino is depicted watching pornography.
Throughout the music video, Kino expressed his rebellious nature, explaining in an interview, "There’s a scene where I shoot a gun at my boss’s head. Even though it’s just filming, it felt strangely thrilling, and it gave me the sense of rebelling against all the oppression in the world."
He added, "I tried not to look pretty. I was always concerned about what people thought, but I concentrated on the message. So I tried to be gluttenous, and I even included a scene of me watching an explicit video. If people were uncomfortable, it's a success."
Kino further explained, "The message is that you don't need to be loved by everyone. I realized there are people around me who love me even though I don't fit into the norm. I now know that's enough."
While some acknowledged the attempt at artistic expression, many netizens argued that the imagery crossed a line, especially given that the majority of his fanbase consists of women. Comments accused the idol of glamorizing sexual exploitation, trivializing uncomfortable themes, and mistaking shock value for artistry.
Several netizens expressed that they felt “disgusted” and “uncomfortable” watching the video, with one writing, “Most male idol fans are women, but if he includes sexual exploitation of women in his MV, how little must he think of his fans.” Others criticized his interview remarks about the video, particularly his statement that making people feel uncomfortable was “a success.” One netizen reacted, “You’re not making a PSA — you’re a singer. Success means people want to keep listening to you.”
These netizens debated:
"Hip-hop cringe syndrome hit him late in life, lol."
"The song is lame too..."
"What is this..."
"Maybe he’ll regret it once all the attention disappears."
"Oh, it’s a one-man agency… no one can stop him then."
"This is so low-class."
"The line I hate most from these self-proclaimed artists: 'If it made you uncomfortable, then it’s a success.' When I hear that, I just feel like they didn’t put any real thought into it."
"That part about shooting a gun at his boss’s head just gave me chills. I’d never want someone like that around me."
"Don’t come crying later when your popularity drops. Just live your own life~"
"Honestly, just from that scene I really did feel uncomfortable… like it just put me in a bad mood."
"Acting all 'don’t pretend to be good' blah blah, I really hate people like this, lol. Honestly, the way the world is now, I wish people would at least pretend to be good."
"Most male idol fans are women, but if he includes sexual exploitation of women in his MV, how little must he think of his fans…"
"First of all, who is this?"
"Seeing someone old still talking about sex this and that… sigh"
"He made money off fangirls’ pocket money, and this is the result?"
"'The real me = the me who watches porn.' Got it."
"Gross, bragging about consuming sexual exploitation material like that."
"The biggest delusion is thinking fans will support you forever. Depending on how you act, people will leave, and with an album like this, people are already shocked and running away. With what money do you think you’ll release albums and promote in the future?"
"Why is making people uncomfortable considered success...You’re not making a PSA, you’re a singer. Success means people keep listening to and watching you. Anyway, I’m done with him from now on."
"Make people uncomfortable and then expect support? What kind of logic is that?"
"The interview was even more shocking; He said the scene of shooting his boss’s head was 'thrilling.' That’s scary."
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments below!
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