IVE Rei Faces Criticism Over 'Hip-Hop Style' Hello Kitty Plushie

Rei, a member of the popular K-pop girl group IVE, recently found herself at the centre of controversy following a livestream where she showcased her Hello Kitty plushie. Originally dressed in pink, the plushie was outfitted with a camouflage-printed bottom by Rei, who described this new look as "hip-hop style."

During the broadcast, Rei playfully voiced the plushie, using phrases such as “gang gang”, “skrrt”, and “show me what you got.” However, her actions sparked criticism on X (formerly known as Twitter). One user commented, “It’s tiring to see the ignorant perception K-pop idols have of Black people even in 2024.”

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Another expressed frustration, saying, “This is why K-pop idols getting inspired by hip-hop always feels inauthentic,” pointing out that such portrayals often rely on “either harmful stereotypes or surface-level clichés.”

In response to the backlash, Rei issued an apology on the fan community app Bubble. She acknowledged her mistake, stating, "I recognise that I expressed myself poorly during a live broadcast watched by fans around the world, and I would like to sincerely apologise to those who were hurt by this incident.” She further pledged to be more thoughtful in her communication, aiming to bring happiness to her fans in the future.