JYP Entertainment is facing backlash over the on-stage makeup of their female idols.
The controversy began after a netizen posted clips of TWICE’s Jihyo and ITZY’s Lia in recent performances. Both idols were wearing foundation notably lighter than their skin tone. Their faces looked several shades paler than their bodies, sparking viral criticism.
In K-Pop, wearing pale foundation has been standard, reflecting traditional Korean beauty ideals. But recent global fan pressure urges idols to sport natural skin tones. Some agencies have adjusted, but not entirely.
Even earlier this year, SM Entertainment’s aespa sparked debate over using whitening body makeup.
JYP’s makeup fail went viral with 1M+ views. Netizens slammed the mismatched tones and called out the company.
“jype so broke they can only afford one cushion foundation for everyone”
— Vivian ˚୨୧⋆｡ @universerene“dark skin is not a bad thing kpop companies should stop whitewashing”
— Rien ‧☽𖤓☾‧ @rienapourpre“imagine jihyo with a more bronzed look and bolder eye makeup JYP WAKE-UP and yall r lucky my queens have face cards that can a millennium bc jyp what is this”
— Lauren ࣪𖤐 @freakbatu“The concept of painting only your face white is so so”
— Wicked Igbo feminist⁷ ⓥ @kosi_annie“foundation 4 shades above their real skin color + high SPF (potentially give flashback on cam) + unnecessary amount of tone up cream + stage’s lightings = that’s it, that’s a whole mask for them pls free these amazing ladies from sk’s white skin obsession ”
— Jinnie @21centurygurl_
Many defended the look, pointing out it’s still common for K-Pop idols and often reflects local makeup preferences.
“I think its not only in jype, but kpop mua in general.. these days, they like to use white cushion”
— cef @bbushyu“what’s crazy is that a lot of idols do this but JYPE idols are the only ones being shamed for it…”
— Lena @cuntseye_“wait until yall realize most kpop idols WANT their makeup to look like this lmao”
— ♱ @jinxsooya“And what if I told you it’s not even the makeup artists at jype? It’s just how a lot of women over there wear their makeup? Look at korean tourists in your country and you’ll realize women actually do use foundation that light even if it doesn’t match their body for some reason”
— Jø @hamiltonshive
The incident is adding fuel to ongoing debates about skin tone and makeup trends in K-Pop communities. JYP has yet to officially respond.
