(G)-IDLE Criticized for Wearing Outfit with Red Cross Logo: Didn't Get Permission?

The South Korean girl group who just made a comeback and are currently heavily promoting their latest song, (G)-IDLE, received harsh criticism from netizens, especially K-Netz, for the clothes they wore during one of their promotions on a recent music show.

The reason is, the girl group under CUBE ENTERTAINMENT is considered to have sexualized the clothes with the red cross symbol because they were made too revealing and 'minimal in material'. Reported from the Instagram account @panncafe, (G)-IDLE reportedly received criticism for the use of a red cross symbol on the 'Klaxon' stage outfit without permission. 

Based on the report, a representative from the South Korean Red Cross confirmed that they had not been contacted by CUBE ENTERTAINMENT regarding the use of the red cross symbol. Based on the law in force in South Korea, the use of red cross emblems or signs without permission for business or propaganda purposes can be subject to a fine of 5-10 million KRW.

Following up on this, the South Korean Red Cross reportedly will immediately contact CUBE ENTERTAINMENT because there was no prior permission from them to use this red cross symbol. The point of focus in this case is the use of the red cross symbol without permission and the outfit being too revealing, which is considered to be sexualizing the clothing with the red cross symbol.

It is true that the concept carried by (G)-IDLE this time is themed summer, but the outfit which is considered too sexy is considered disrespectful to health workers in related agencies. K-Netz or Korean netizens also expressed their criticism and responses to this news. “ The sign is famous, it seems like they didn’t do any research beforehand, ” said a K-Netz.

“ Their song lyrics always center on emancipation but they themselves don’t implement it, ” said another K-Netz. “ They are constantly at the center of controversy with similar issues. If they continue like this, they will destroy their own image,” another K-Netz added. “It’s a legend that not a single person thought to check before they went on stage,” commented a K-Netz.