Concert Controversy Erupts
SNL Korea star Kwon Hyuk Soo sparked outrage with his Instagram posts about Dua Lipa during her Seoul concert. The TV personality posted several Stories referring to the global pop star using questionable nicknames. His actions quickly drew criticism from both Korean and international fans, leading to a heated debate about respect and professionalism in the entertainment industry.
The incident occurred during Dua Lipa’s highly anticipated performance at her two-night concert in Seoul on December 4, 2024. Despite the earlier political tension due to a brief martial law declaration by President Yoon Suk Yeol, the concert proceeded as planned, drawing thousands of excited fans to the venue.
Controversial Instagram Stories
Kwon’s Instagram Stories showed a progression of increasingly controversial comments about Dua Lipa. He first called her “Ratatouille,” then addressed her properly as “Dua Lipa,” before finally referring to her as “Mapo Tofu.” The situation escalated when he added the informal term “oppa” while requesting her to pose for photos, writing “Stay still, Mapo Tofu. Let oppa take some pictures of you.”
Some fans attempted to explain that the nicknames might have been a reference to Korean wordplay, as Dua Lipa, ratatouille, and mapo tofu all become four-syllable words in Korean. This explanation drew parallels to how SEVENTEEN fans playfully nickname S.Coups, as both names share similar syllable patterns in Korean pronunciation.
Entertainment industry experts have pointed out that such casual behavior from a public figure toward an international artist could potentially impact future cultural exchanges between Korea and global artists. The incident has also sparked discussions about professional boundaries in social media interactions.
Growing Public Backlash
The majority of viewers found Kwon’s behavior disrespectful and inappropriate, particularly given his status as a public figure. Online communities filled with comments condemning his actions, with special criticism directed at his use of the term “oppa,” which many found presumptuous and inappropriate when addressing an international star.
Korean netizens expressed their disappointment through various platforms, with comments ranging from mild criticism to strong condemnation. Many fans pointed out that such behavior could tarnish Korea’s image in the international entertainment community. The controversy has highlighted broader issues about appropriate behavior toward visiting international artists and the responsibility that comes with being a public figure.
Social media experts have noted that this incident serves as a cautionary tale about the impact of seemingly casual social media posts, especially when they involve cross-cultural interactions. The rapid spread of criticism across both Korean and international platforms demonstrates the global nature of today’s entertainment industry.
Final Thoughts on the Kwon Hyuk Soo Dua Lipa Controversy
As criticism continues to mount, Kwon Hyuk Soo has maintained silence regarding the incident, leading to further speculation about potential consequences for his career. The controversy has opened up important discussions about cultural sensitivity, professional conduct, and the power of social media in the entertainment industry.
What are your thoughts on this controversy? Do you think public figures should be held to higher standards when interacting with international artists on social media? Share your opinion in the comments below.
