Feminism and Freedom in K-pop Music: the Cultural Rebellion of (G)I-DLE
Feature - Yuyan Shen
In the world of K-pop, the girl group (G)I-DLE stands out for its bold stance on feminism and anti-patriarchy, challenging the traditional norms of female idols in a predominantly patriarchal industry. Since their debut in 2018, (G)I-DLE has been at the forefront of pushing the boundaries of K-pop’s traditional image, using their music and performances as platforms for statements against the rigid gender roles and expectations entrenched in South Korea and the K-pop industry at large.
Invert ₩ife Illustration by: Yuyan Shen / PRESSET.
Femininity in the K-Pop Industry
Unlike traditional K-pop, (G)I-DLE’s approach to music and performance is not just about catchy hooks and synchronized dance routines. Take, for instance, their hit song “TOMBOY” from the album “I NEVER DIE.” The track is a bold proclamation of self-identity, challenging the conventional ideas of femininity. With its grungy, rebellious tone, “TOMBOY” rejects the stereotype of the demure, submissive female, instead celebrating a more assertive, self-defined femininity.
(G)I-DLE didn’t stop there. Their next release, “NXDE,” a poignant commentary on the objectification and scrutiny faced by women, particularly in the entertainment industry. The final lyric, “I am born nude, the pervert is you.” in the song points directly toward the hidden camera incidents and N-room scandals in Korea. It discusses vulnerability and the judgment faced by females when it comes to nude photos. It's a daring move, confronting an issue often swept under the carpet in the glossy world of K-pop.
The relationship between K-pop culture and feminism has always been complex and multifaceted, reflecting broader societal tensions between traditional values and progressive movements in South Korea. K-pop, with its global reach and deep cultural influence, serves as a fascinating lens through which to explore these dynamics.
Male Gaze or Satire?
₩ife Concept Art Photo: Cube Entermtainment
Recently, (G)I-DLE released their new song “₩ife”, in which “₩” is the symbol of the national currency of South Korea. To associate the term “wife” with money seems like a mockery to the patriarchal society when it comes to commodifying women, especially taking housewife labor for granted.
Yet, many critics express their discomfort since those lyrics by themselves sound submissive and self-objectifying. In “₩ife”, the English lyrics contain lines to describe a traditional wife’s role such as “I clean your room”, “I cook cream soup”, and “I make you feel so high” but followed with lines such as “Want me as your wife but she is umm umm umm.” However, there is “But I’m not” written in the description of the song on Korean music apps. People on the internet found out that if you reverse the color scheme of their album’s track list, red and black, you would get blue and white, which are the colors the group members wear in the music video. All the clues hint that the song has nothing to do with pleasing the male gaze, but rather a satire to it. It aligns with what “₩ife” is trying to promote that women should be able to have choices and the freedom to choose what they want to be. There is nothing wrong with women being housewives as long as they want to, and the core of the song is to support women with their own decisions.
Lyrically Provocative of ‘₩ife’
Even more controversial about the song are the Korean lyrics “Kiss me carefully and eat boldly”, and “If do it well, it would be full for this meal / Swallow it deeper because I feel good.” Lyrics like these caused so many different takes on what they mean, however, most of the opinions are negative. For the netizens on a popular Korean forum - theqoo, most believe that this song is overly sensational and are afraid that young kids would listen and sing along with these lyrics. As a result, the Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) has banned (G)I-DLE’s “₩ife” for being sexually explicit.
The criticism from platforms like theqoo and the ban from an official broadcaster reflects a broader societal struggle with progressive ideas challenging traditional norms. It’s important to recognize that such controversies often stem from the discomfort with change and the questioning of longstanding societal structures. (G)I-DLE’s willingness to tackle these topics head-on, despite the potential backlash, speaks volumes about their role as artists who are not just entertainers but also agents of social change.
The controversy surrounding “₩ife” underscores the delicate balance artists must navigate when addressing complex social issues. While the song has been criticized for its explicit content and potential influence on younger audiences, it also opens up a space for critical discussions about the commodification of women’s roles and the expectations placed on them in society. The backlash and the ban from KBS highlight the tensions that arise when pop culture intersects with deeply ingrained societal values. Yet, it is precisely these tensions that make (G)I-DLE's work so significant.
From ‘TOMBOY’ to ‘₩ife’: (G)I-DLE’s Message
(G)I-DLE’s music, particularly tracks like “TOMBOY,” “NXDE,” and their controversial “₩ife”, serve as a testament to their commitment to challenging societal norms and sparking debate. Their songs are more than entertainment; they are bold statements that question, provoke, and inspire. This approach has positioned (G)I-DLE not only as trailblazers in the K-pop world but also as influential voices in the ongoing dialogue about feminism and gender roles.
The global impact of K-pop cannot be overstated, and groups like (G)I-DLE leverage their influence to bring attention to issues of gender inequality, empowerment, and Korean societal expectations. Their music acts as a catalyst for discussions that extend far beyond the confines of the entertainment industry, touching on broader themes of feminism, individuality, and resistance against oppressive norms. Through their art, (G)I-DLE contributes to a larger, global conversation about gender and society, challenging both fans and critics to rethink their views.
As the dialogue around feminism and gender roles continues to evolve, the contributions of (G)I-DLE and similar artists will remain an essential part of the conversation. Their boldness in addressing contentious issues, their creativity in expressing complex themes, and their resilience in the face of criticism exemplify the power of pop culture as a reflection of society and a force for change. In a world where pop culture shapes perceptions and influences behavior, (G)I-DLE’s music is a challenge to the status quo, encouraging listeners to question, reflect, and, ultimately, redefine what it means to navigate gender and identity in today's society.