K-netizens question why the idol industry rarely acknowledges International Women's Day
AKP STAFF
Posted by Janie-Reign 4 days ago 7,363
K-netizens are discussing the lack of mention of International Women's Day within the K-pop idol industry.
On an online forum, a netizen called out the fact that the majority of male idol groups and the industry have not acknowledged March 8 as International Women's Day. The netizen argued that especially for boy groups, the "majority of their fanbase comprises 99% women," and that while idols regularly acknowledge and celebrate "all the commercial holidays, such as Valentine's Day, White Day, and Pepero Day," there has been little to no mention of Women's Day.
The netizen also pointed out that mainstream K-pop YouTube channels such as KBS Kpop and 1theK, as well as idol groups themselves, have celebrated other days such as National Puppy Day and International Cat Day by uploading related Reels and photos.
However, there were a few exceptions among idols. Netizens noted that male idols including TEMPEST's Hanbin, a Vietnamese member, and WayV's Kun, a Chinese idol, have both personally celebrated and acknowledged the day on social media.
Netizens also underscored that the boy group CLOSE YOUR EYES collectively celebrated International Women's Day on their official social media, openly confirming their awareness of the day and presenting rose flowers to fans on the same day of their fansign event.
One of CLOSE YOUR EYES' members, Sungmin, also shared his thoughts about the day on his fan communication platform. He wrote:
"You're telling me you also want a rose? Today is International Women's Day. Before I give the rose to you, I need to acknowledge what it's for. Roses are important, but what is also important is knowing what day it is!"
Another group, ARrC, also uploaded related content on their social media, with Andy, a Japanese-American member, personally mentioning the day: "Thank you so much to all the powerful women in the world!!<3"
Similarly, the virtual group PLAVE's Hamin wrote to his fans with a cat holding a heart emoji: "A gift for International Women's Day<3"
In addition, GOT7's Youngjae has been known among netizens for celebrating the day every year with his fans. He wrote:
"Today is International Women's Day, yes? Thank you all for being born!! If there are women you know beside you right now, please celebrate them! Wishing everyone the best<3"
Meanwhile, Korean bookstores and K-beauty industries have started to acknowledge International Women's Day, including Kyobo Book Centre. Several netizens also noted that while it may be significant to discuss male idols' support, it is also worth noting that female idols have been known to acknowledge and support the international day as well.
"They should at least read the room. Even pretending to do it would be something."
"International fans must also find it strange. It is International Women's Day, but K-pop idols do not acknowledge it lol."
"But you still love them, right? ^^"
"International fans keep asking why they do not acknowledge it either, but they still never do. Thanks to that, I stopped being a fan."
"In China, even in the League of Legends scene, which is extremely male dominated, pro gamers or their teams give roses or gifts to fans and post congratulatory messages on Women's Day."
"Is this really all…"
"Industries that make money from women should at least acknowledge it, even if it feels forced. Seriously, it is so cold."
"I once happened to travel to Vietnam on Women's Day and saw bouquets of flowers being sold everywhere on the streets. When I asked about it, they said it was Women's Day… turns out Korea is the only place that does not really acknowledge it."
"I only learned about Women's Day when I entered university… senior students in my department gathered all the new female students and gave them roses. Since it was a female dominated department, I wondered if that was why lol. That was the first and last time though. In other countries it seems to be an important day, except Japan and Korea…"
"This suddenly makes me feel empty."
"What is shocking is that I did not even know it was International Women's Day."
"I watch League of Legends and even the LPL (Chinese league) acknowledges Women's Day every year."
"It is a country where even businesses targeting women still prioritize men's feelings."
"Fans keep consuming even if they do not acknowledge it."
"No one really complains even if they do not acknowledge it lol." "It is not like people expect something big."
"My idol has at least been acknowledging it through Bubble for two years now (he is Korean)."
"Agency staff are the same too… nothing surprising."
"The fact that male idols who acknowledge Women's Day get excessively praised as 'good guys' more than female idols who acknowledge it says everything."
"If fans did not want it, would idols who post things like that get boosted? They stay quiet because they do not post it. If they did post it, fans would like it more than anyone."
"If you are going to run a business, should you not at least read the room? CLOSE YOUR EYES have good songs too, so they are still likable idols."
"Even when they cause misogynistic controversies, it is female fans who defend them. Dating rumors or scandals affect them more, but things like this have no impact, so if I were them I would not acknowledge it either."
"Why do they not even do it as a show… makes you wonder."
"Youngjae is really consistent, it is so nice to see."
"I like all the idols mentioned in the post."
"I found out it was Women's Day because my idol (PLAVE Hamin) acknowledged it lol."
"Even if they do nothing, there are voluntary pushovers who will bring them money, time, and emotions anyway, so why bother?"
"They probably do not even know what Women's Day is lol what would they know."
"But even aside from idols, is there any country besides ours that stays this quiet about Women's Day? It really feels like a crazy country."
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