Singer Choi Yena's new song 'Hate Rodrigo' has sparked a divisive reaction.
Pop music critic Jeong Min-jae tweeted on the 28th, "I was curious about what kind of song would come out when I saw the concept and artwork of Choi Yena's new song 'Hate Rodrigo', which boldly mentions and borrows the real name of a contemporary artist. However, it was disappointing to see the uninteresting and flat direct quotes. This is not homage or parody, but a discomforting level of pastiche."
He went on to say, "Of course, you can admire another artist who is active at the same time. But if it's just because they're cool and you want to resemble them, and all you do is mimic them by bringing their concept and image into your work, isn't that too insubstantial? It's too shallow to be an original song."
Choi Yena released her second single album 'HATE XX' on the 27th and began promotions. In a press interview, she explained why she included Olivia Rodrigo's real name in the title song 'Hate Rodrigo'. She stated, "Olivia Rodrigo is a beautiful and perfect object of admiration" and "I have maximized affection and admiration for her with an ironic expression."
Notably, Choi Yena participated in the lyrics writing for 'Hate Rodrigo'. She explained, "I expressed the admiration and jealousy I feel towards the object of my envy. Since it's my song, it seems right to include my own thoughts and opinions."
Olivia Rodrigo is an American singer and actress born in 2003 who has risen to be a blue-chip of the Billboard chart by consecutively making several hit songs.
Public evaluations of 'Hate Rodrigo' are clearly divided. Much like Jeong Min-jae's evaluation, the majority opinion is pointing out that Choi Yena is overusing the word 'Hate' and that her homage to Olivia Rodrigo seems insincere.
Criticism of indiscriminate 'trolling' along with claims that 'Olivia Rodrigo has been exploited' have been emerging.
International fans also showed negative reactions to Choi Yena's song. Olivia Rodrigo's fans even expressed their anger.
One overseas netizen who declared themselves a fan of Olivia Rodrigo said, "Choi Yena's song is perplexing. I understand it's not a concept of genuinely hating Olivia Rodrigo, but it lacks originality and seems like a mere copy. The song is weird and even with good intentions, it has an unpleasant undertone."
The controversy over Choi Yena's 'Hate Rodrigo' continues in various communities, making it a hot topic.
Olivia Rodrigo has not shown any specific response to Choi Yena's song.
