HyunA Receives Criticism After Braiding Her Hair, Considered Cultural Appropriation

Kapanlagi.com - HyunA is one of the K-Pop stars known not only for her sexiness but also for her freedom in expressing herself and her courage in challenging the notion that Korean celebrities cannot freely display their romantic relationships. However, HyunA has recently received a lot of criticism, to the point where her name became a trending topic worldwide on Twitter.

It all started when HyunA uploaded a video on Instagram showing off her newly braided hair on the streets of Thailand. Unfortunately, many fans and non-fans alike deemed HyunA's actions inappropriate because it was considered as cultural appropriation that has been happening for years.

For those who are unaware, braided hair or braid as demonstrated by HyunA is considered a cultural tradition of women from ancient times in the North African region. Braids back then symbolized one's clan, age, social status, marital status, and even fashion trends. When these women were forcibly brought to America as slaves, they regarded braided hair as their identity in times when they were treated unjustly. Braided hair or box braids was also a means of communication among African-American women.

Until now, African-American women consider box braids as a cultural heritage passed down from their ancestors, carrying significant meanings. Many of them are not pleased with white women, who used to belittle them, now braiding their hair in the African style, as it is seen as a form of cultural appropriation and a lack of appreciation for black women.

1. Pros and Cons

Many black K-Pop fans are angry with what HyunA has done. There are also many harsh comments on Hyuna's Instagram account, which led her boyfriend E'Dawn to delete some photos.

Ok if you’re not black then don’t talk about this Hyuna situation... IMAGINE HOW TIRED WE ARE dealing with cultural appropriation of our culture AT LEAST once a month.. pic.twitter.com/ewp3K4uVfZ

— ????? (@ZoE_Syanne) 16 January 2020

However, there are also fans who defend and claim that HyunA's braids are called Khao San braids, not box braids. Nevertheless, many still disagree with what HyunA has done.

2. HyunA Asks for Understanding

After deleting some photos and videos of herself with braided hair, HyunA uploaded a short video. Basically, she asks for understanding between herself and her fans.

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Hyun Ah (@hyunah_aa) on Jan 16, 2020 at 12:42pm PST

"Hello everyone. I'm heading to Dream Island now. I love and appreciate all my fans. No matter how difficult it is, please don't think badly about this. Let's understand each other. Good night."

What do KLovers think about this?

(kpl/pit)