K-pop’s 6 most controversial fashion looks of 2021: from Twice idol Dahyun’s hanbok that resembled Blackpink star Jisoo’s outfit, to the backlash against Ive member Yujin’s stage fashion

Dec 23 , 2021

From Aespa to Twice, these K-pop stars faced backlash for their outfit choices. Photos: AFP, Agence France-Presse, @IVE_twt/Twitter

Fans called out The Boyz’s stylist for members’ Hyunjae and Q’s stage outfits for supposedly ‘plagiarising’ Dior Homme’s spring/summer 2018 collection

Aespa’s Asia Artist Awards outfits were deemed ‘unflattering’, while Purple Kiss member Na Go-eun came under fire for wearing a offensive and inappropriate symbol

This year, as the K-pop world made a slow and tentative return to public appearances, we were once again gifted with a merry-go-round of immaculate idols gracing our screens in a plethora of lust-worthy stylish outfits – whether that be on stage, red carpets, or in music videos. That being said, not everything worn was a hit, with several K-fashion statements falling flat or raising eyebrows, whether that be for suspected plagiarism or simply being ugly.

So without further ado, here’s our wrap of 2021 K-idol looks that gained attention for all the wrong reasons.

1. Aespa’s “unflattering” Asia Artist Awards outfits

K-pop group Aespa pose for photos on the red carpet for the 2021 Asia Artist Awards in Seoul, South Korea, on December 1 – where the band’s looks were not a hit. Photo: AP

Arguably the tamest case on this list, Aespa’s outfits for the recent Asia Artist Awards were the subject of criticism because of their “unflattering” designs. The quartet dressed boldly in all-black, and though the girls themselves rocked stunning hair and make-up looks, their outfits faced criticism from fans.

Giselle and Winter from K-pop group Aespa. Photos: Associated Press

In particular, Giselle’s outfit was criticised by fans for making her look “wide” and hiding her long legs, reported Koreaboo following the December 1 appearance. Winter’s outfit was also picked on for apparently making her look older than she really is. The singer turns a sprightly 21 in January, and fans expressed annoyance at stylists for dressing her in more “mature” clothing.

2. Purple Kiss’ controversial “Nazi-esque” emblem

Na Go-eun from Purple Kiss came under fire after wearing an outfit featuring a symbol that reminded viewers of the Nazi insignia. Photo: RBW Entertainment

Girl group Purple Kiss caused a stir when they released images of their 2022 season’s greetings package in November, and one member, Na Go-eun, was seen wearing an outfit featuring what resembled the Parteiadler insignia, which was used by the Nazi Party. Fans were quick to point this out, criticising the company’s deeply offensive choice of outfit.

RBW Entertainment, the girl group’s agency, quickly issued an apology on Purple Kiss’ official fan site, apologising for “not going through sufficient inspection on all clothes and accessories in advance”. Soon after, they re-released the image with the insignia edited out, according to NME.

K-pop’s 6 most controversial fashion looks of 2021: from Twice idol Dahyun’s hanbok that resembled Blackpink star Jisoo’s outfit, to the backlash against Ive member Yujin’s stage fashion

1. Aespa’s “unflattering” Asia Artist Awards outfits

2. Purple Kiss’ controversial “Nazi-esque” emblem

3. Itzy member Yuna’s “edgy” outfit