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The 2024 Met Gala was set to be a true star power triumph for Stray Kids, as Tommy Hilfiger’s current lineup set a historic first at fashion’s biggest night of events. Even in the glamorous atmosphere, Stray Kids fans and probablysome of the members themselves were left with experiences marred by disrespectful treatment by photographers on the red carpet, highlighting the systemic barriers still faced by non-Western artists in Hollywood.
The eight Billboard 200 chart-topping members attended the Met Gala, marking the first time the entire group has appeared together at the glitzy gala. Making their Met Gala debut in custom-designed suits alongside Tommy Hilfiger himself, members Bangchan, Changbin, Lee Know, Hyunjin, Felix, Han, Seungmin, and In made their debut at the Metropolitan Museum of Art wearing navy jackets that quickly revealed their habits. arrived at. ‘Underneath, various shades of red, white and blue, which are the clothing brand’s signature, fit.
But a few feet away, amid a flurry of camera flashes surrounding the gala’s entrance on all sides, disparaging comments from on-site photographers moaned about the group’s “robotic” demeanor, and one He was angry that the revelations were made against his group. Looking at the photo and thinking the band could only understand Korean reveals the thinly veiled prejudice that still plagues the industry.
(Note: The video below contains subtitles that may not necessarily match what you hear.)
as daily mail Some dads said people would be “confused” as the group took photos with their coats on and off. This is a racist stereotype that challenges people of Asian descent to visually distinguish themselves. One photographer was heard making his colleagues laugh by joking that viewers would think “two K-pop bands” were attending the 2024 Met Gala. (No one this reporter found in the past 48 hours had made such a mistake.)
The incident highlighted the unfair challenges faced by global celebrities like Stray Kids as they navigate unfamiliar territory in search of global success.
Despite examples of SKZ adapting easily and comfortably to the American media environment through live interviews such as the BUILD series and People TV, last year’s MTV VMAs, and various fashion weeks, the singers still face barriers and their presence. faced with negative attitudes towards. While this reflects a lack of understanding, it also highlights the need for more cultural sensitivity and inclusivity in entertainment.
Most of the kids’ media experiences are with events in Korea and Japan, where the systems and red carpets are structured differently than in the United States. At his typical K-Pop events, press conferences, and award ceremonies, there is a platform for all of the artists to pose for photographers who take pictures together during a dedicated photo time. Under the guidance of an MC, emcee, or team leader like Bangchan, artists most often adjust their poses to the left, center, and right so that everyone can get different angles and shots. After this dedicated time, photos are left to your own devices to ensure you get the best shot possible.
In this context, Stray Kids created the Met Gala by staggering on the Met Gala carpet with four members standing forward to one side of the camera, then turning around and having the other four step forward to the side of the camera. tried to show love to every aspect of the photographer on the carpet. Photo of the second group. Also of note: Although the photographer knew that Stray Kids were her K-pop artists, members Bangchan and Felix grew up in Australia, and Seungmin lived in Los Angeles for a while. It’s incredibly narrow-minded to assume that comments in English (such as “What does ‘correct’ mean in Korean?” which drew laughs from the dads) will be ignored.
While it’s important to understand that photographers need easy-to-use, practical photos to make a living, the diversity that Stray Kids brings to events like the Met Gala is not alienating; It should be praised. Perhaps the prospect of filming an eight-member boy band is not something to be sad about, but rather a new professional challenge.
Korean artists have been attending the Met Gala for more than a decade, with guests such as PSY and Super Junior’s Siwon attending more than a decade ago, and more recently, BLACKPINK’s Jennie and others attending the Met Gala for the second time this year. I’m joining. Considering the fashion world’s consistent and growing affinity for his K-Pop partnerships, it’s likely that more of her K-Pop groups will join in the future.
Whether their comments are heard or not, Stray Kids move with grace and poise on the carpet, and their mere presence reminds us of the importance of inviting and accepting different cultures, people, and perspectives.
Since the reality show that formed the group in 2017, Stray Kids has had an unwavering determination to defy expectations and overcome adversity. Despite obstacles, the band’s inclusive talent, humility, and tireless spirit to keep moving forward has not only been recognized at one of the world’s most prestigious events, but also increasingly at various events. It is felt. signboard chart. Continuing to break boundaries and challenge norms, Stray Kids are able to not only make waves in the music industry, but also reshape long-held perceptions and show how they can inspire greater change.