The Controversial Design
Two prominent K-pop idols faced intense criticism this week over a religiously insensitive fashion choice that has sent shockwaves through the global K-pop community. Kep1er’s Yujin and BADVILLAIN’s Ina wore a t-shirt featuring sacred Islamic symbols, triggering widespread disappointment and concern among fans worldwide. The incident has sparked important discussions about cultural sensitivity in the K-pop industry.
The controversial item, designed by Korean brand 604SERVICE, displayed crystal embellishments of the Kaaba, one of Islam’s most sacred sites. The design also incorporated Arabic text for “Allah” and “Muhammad,” elements that hold profound religious significance for Muslims globally. These deeply sacred religious elements sparked immediate backlash from Muslim fans and allies, who viewed the commercialization of their religious symbols as deeply disrespectful.
The design choice was particularly problematic given the Kaaba’s central importance in Islamic worship. Located in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, the Kaaba serves as the direction all Muslims face during their daily prayers. Using such a revered symbol as a fashion statement showed a concerning lack of cultural awareness and sensitivity.
Swift Fan Response
The K-pop idols Islam controversy first erupted when BADVILLAIN’s Ina appeared in a TikTok video wearing the shirt. Muslim fans quickly mobilized across social media platforms, educating others about the significance of these symbols and why their use as fashion elements was inappropriate. The educational efforts included detailed explanations of Islamic principles and the sacred nature of the symbols used.
Fans quickly voiced their concerns about cultural insensitivity, leading to calls for accountability across various social media platforms. The hashtags #RESPECT_ISLAM and #APOLOGIZE_TO_MUSLIMS began trending, demonstrating the global reach of this controversy. Muslim fans particularly emphasized that religious symbols should never be reduced to fashion statements or aesthetic choices.
The situation intensified significantly when Kep1er’s Yujin was also spotted wearing the same design at multiple events, including a music show performance and fan signing event. This second incident reignited the controversy and led to broader discussions about the need for cultural sensitivity training in the K-pop industry.
