The performance controversy surrounding singer Hwasa has led to divergent views between parent organizations and the pop culture industry.
On September 11, CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' featured a phone interview with Shin Min-hyang, the representative of the Student Parents' Human Rights Solidarity, and pop culture critic Kim Heon-sik to discuss the controversy surrounding Hwasa's performance.
Shin Min-hyang first explained the reason behind the accusations against Hwasa, stating, "Hwasa's actions, seen by a large unspecified audience, could have a more negative impact than the Barbarian Mambo." Responding to criticisms of overreaction, she added, "Even if it's a performance, it should be conducted based on the venue and audience. It shouldn't be executed like a terror act targeting an unexpected majority."
When mentioned that Hwasa recently shared on a YouTube content about the hardships she faced due to negative comments after the controversy, Shin expressed her surprise at Hwasa's "lack of remorse."
Representing the perspective of the pop arts community, critic Kim Heon-sik argued that the accusations were excessive. He described the Student Parents' Human Rights Solidarity's accusations as "a case of 'monster parents' excessively intervening in artistic freedom." Referring to a recent incident involving a teacher's death, he analyzed the Hwasa situation as another example of 'monster parent groups' excessively intervening in everything under the pretext of their children's education.
Kim emphasized, "It's inappropriate from an artistic and freedom of expression standpoint for a third-party parent organization, not present at the concert, to file a complaint leading to police intervention. It's as if parents stormed into a concert venue with police just to protect their children."
He also pointed out that the controversy arose not from the performance itself but from a video taken at the scene that spread online. "The responsibility of the platforms that allowed the video to spread online should also be mentioned. Singling out Hwasa for blame seems to have an ulterior motive," he said.
Lastly, on the topic of the line between K-pop artistry and obscenity, the critic explained, "The sexualization of teenagers should be strictly prohibited. However, Hwasa is in her late 20s. It's not a teenager sexualizing herself. Moreover, K-pop is more wholesome than Western pop. It's essential to differentiate and not label the entire K-pop genre as sexually commodifying."
Meanwhile, the Student Parents' Human Rights Solidarity recently filed a public indecency charge against Hwasa for a particular move she made during a university festival performance in May. Hwasa has since completed a police investigation regarding the intent and background of her performance.
