Red Velvet’s sub-unit, IRENE & SEULGI, has stirred controversy ahead of their upcoming comeback with the album TILT. Following the release of teaser images on May 16, while fans largely appreciated the visuals, one specific image has generated significant backlash from Korean netizens.
The teaser features an oyster filled with pearls, which some interpreted as a suggestive reference to female genitalia, prompting discomfort among viewers. A post on the online forum TheQoo highlighted the negative reactions, amassing over 80,000 views and numerous critical comments.
In response to the mounting criticism, SM Entertainment has removed the contentious image from all official channels without issuing a public statement. The incident has reignited discussions about double standards in the K-pop industry, particularly concerning how female idols are scrutinized compared to their male counterparts.
Around the same time, ENHYPEN, a boy group under HYBE, began teasing their own comeback set for June 5, unveiling concept photos for their album DESIRE: UNLEASH. Unlike the backlash faced by IRENE & SEULGI, the dark and provocative imagery featuring the ENHYPEN members has received widespread acclaim among international fans.
This juxtaposition of reactions has led to a growing discourse about gender-based expectations in K-pop. Many fans have noted the contrasting responses—while IRENE & SEULGI faced swift backlash for subtle imagery, ENHYPEN’s more overtly suggestive concept has been praised. Conversations on social media reflect concerns about the harsher scrutiny female idols face, especially given that IRENE and SEULGI are both in their 30s, raising questions about societal perceptions of mature female artists.
As both groups prepare for their respective comebacks, the conversation about gender dynamics and the standards imposed on K-pop artists continues to evolve.
