In recent days, Teen Vogue has upset fans of the popular kpop singers group IVE.
The issue is about a perceived disrespect towards Gaeul, one of IVE members, in a newly released video.
This has a heated debate among netizens about whether the mistake was due to poor research or something worse, like xenophobia.
Video That Started It All
In May 20, 2024, Teen Vogue released a video titled “Compliment Battle,” featuring the members of IVE.
The video was meant to be fun, with members reading out compliments from social media and trying not to laugh. However, what was supposed to be lighthearted quickly turned controversial.
The Controversial Compliment
During the video, IVE’s Wonyoung read a compliment to Gaeul that seemed to praise her rapping skills. Gaeul listened without any visible reaction. But sharp-eyed netizens noticed something strange about the tweet from which the compliment came.
The Tweet in Question
On closer inspection, the tweet praising Gaeul was dated July 2020, raising red flags since IVE debuted at the end of 2021. Netizens did more research and found the original tweet.
The Source of the Confusion
The original tweet mentioned “Gaeul,” but it was referring to Gauel from another girl group called FAVOURITE. This mistake by the Teen Vogue team upset the supporter who saw it as more than just a minor error.
Some netizens suggested that the mistake might be xenophobic. They argued that the editors may have just searched for the name “Gaeul” and assumed the tweet was about IVE’s Gaeul without verifying the details. This, they claimed, showed a lack of respect and understanding of K-pop and its artists.
One netizen tweeted, “Some of you are celebrating your favorite being mentioned when this might just be straight xenophobia from US media again.”
A Pattern of Disrespect?
This isn’t the first time IVE has been affected by poor research from a media outlet.
Fans recalled a previous incident involving Liz and a video by WIRED, where similar mistakes were made.
This pattern of behavior has added to the frustration and anger of IVE’s fanbase.
Supporter Reactions
Many took to social media to express their disappointment and anger. Fans tweeted, “This tweet is from 2020, when IVE had not even debuted yet.”
Others were even more critical, accusing Teen Vogue of intentional disrespect. Another tweet read, “Like, at that point that’s WILLFULLY and INTENTIONALLY disrespectful – I’m sorry, you are actually scum @TeenVogue.”
Criticism of Starship Entertainment
Some fans also directed their frustration at Starship Entertainment, IVE’s management company.
They questioned why the company didn’t check the content before it was published.
A tweet said: “Teen Vogue is definitely wrong for that, no doubt, but I also want to ask if SSE even knows about this? Don’t agencies usually proof-check/proof-watch videos of their artists’ content and give their approval before posting it?”
The Broader Implications
The controversy has started a broader conversation about how Western media handles content related to non-Western artists.
Fans argue that there is a lack of effort and respect when it comes to understanding and accurately representing K-pop idols and their achievements.
Calls for Accountability
Fans are calling for greater accountability from media outlets. They want publications like Teen Vogue to properly research and verify their content before publishing.
This, they argue, is not only respectful to the artists but also a basic standard of journalistic integrity.
Teen Vogue Response
Teen Vogue has not issued a public response to the controversy. However, the pressure from fans continues to mount. Many are waiting to see how the publication will address the issue and whether they will take steps to prevent similar mistakes in the future.
The Impact on IVE
For IVE, this controversy highlights the challenges of international fame. As their global popularity grows, they will face more scrutiny.
However, such incidents also reveal the strong support from their fans, who quickly defend and advocate for them.
Career Gaeul in Starship Entertainment detailed
Gaeul’s journey to becoming a K-Pop idol began in April 2017 when she impressed a Starship Entertainment talent scout at the “Incheon Youth Dance Competition.”
This led to her joining the company as a trainee in her third year of middle school. For the next three to four years, Gaeul honed her skills as a trainee, even taking on a leadership role amongst the other trainees.
Interestingly, she was already training at Starship before fellow IVE members Yujin and Wonyoung participated in the reality show “Produce 48.”
Gaeul Personal Life:
Gaeul has a close-knit family life. She has an older brother and is friends with Bada from Hinapia. Her name reflects the season of autumn in Korean.
Gaeul attended all-girls schools and her parents initially disagreed with her pursuing a trainee career, though her father eventually supported her.
During her trainee days, she was known for her braces, bangs, and signature black t-shirt.
Gaeul prefers pants and admires Yujin’s eye smile. IU is her role model and she’s confident in her own charisma.
Notably, she was voted the member who wants to grow the tallest, and a line from a song she performed became a viral meme. Gaeul considers a mole under her mouth charming and has a preference for dark blue.
She dreams of being in a Pocari Sweat commercial and has always preferred bangs and long hair. Gaeul enjoys the company of all IVE members and even has songwriting talents, being able to write rap lyrics.
Gaeul KpopSinger Career:
“– Gaeul was revealed as the second member of IVE.
– She is the main dancer, and lead rapper in the group “IVE”.
– She participated as the lyricist for the songs “ROYAL”, “Kitsch”, “Hypnosis”, “Not Your Girl” and “Next Page”.
– She was cast by JYP Entertainment during the dance competition held in Incheon, South Korea.
– She is featured in many magazines including “ELLE”, “LENINA”, “CHIC TEEN Magazine”, “At Style” and “L’Officiel”.
– She appeared as a guest on the JTBC show “Mooncheol Han’s black box review” in April 2023.”
Gaeul IVE Some Facts:
Gaeul seems to be a relaxed and easygoing person. In her free time, she enjoys calming activities like walks, reading, and sipping tea.
This chill demeanor earned her the nickname “Sloth” from her fellow IVE members.
Despite being the oldest, she would rather be the youngest (maknae) and enjoys the company of others. When it comes to fashion, she prefers a bolder style, opting for silver jewelry, hats over bows, and mismatched outfits.
While she doesn’t raise her voice much, she’s known for her humor, with Wonyoung even calling her the funniest member. Gaeul also has a dependable side, with Yujin often seeking her advice.
Rounding out her personality, she dislikes artificial flavors and certain vegetables, but loves winter foods and visiting the sea. It seems Gaeul finds a happy balance between enjoying her own company and being a supportive friend and teammate.
Conclusion
The recent Teen Vogue video featuring IVE has faced backlash due to what many audiences see as a disrespectful mistake.
Whether the error stemmed from inadequate research or something intentional, it highlights the need for greater respect and understanding from media outlets when covering international artists.
As the conversation continues, fans remain vigilant and vocal in their support for IVE and other K-pop groups, demanding better representation and accountability from the media.
“Gaeul (가을) is a South Korean singer-songwriter and a member of the Kpop girl group IVE under Starship Entertainment.– She was cast by JYP Entertainment during the dance competition held in Incheon, South Korea.
She is featured in many magazines including “ELLE”, “LENINA”, “CHIC TEEN Magazine”, “At Style” and “L’Officiel”. “ __KpopSingers
ReadMore: Gaeul (IVE) Profile, Bio, & Facts
