The red carpet at W Korea’s Love Your W 2025 charity gala became the most talked-about moment in Korean entertainment this week but not for the reasons the organizers intended.
The annual event, held to raise awareness for breast cancer prevention and women’s health, gathered a star-studded guest list including RM, J-Hope, V (BTS), Jang Wonyoung, aespa, Byun Woo-seok, and Lee Min-ho. However, the spotlight quickly turned to I-DLE, whose performance left audiences stunned and divided.
I-DLE performed two of their biggest hits TOMBOY and Queencard but many viewers found the lyrics inappropriate for a charity event centered on breast cancer awareness.
In TOMBOY, the members sang the uncensored line “Yeah, I’m a f**ing tomboy,” while Queencard featured the provocative verse, “My boobs and my butt are hot — the spotlight is mine.”
“At an event about women’s health, this felt less like empowerment and more like mockery,” one Korean netizen commented.
The backlash intensified when fans noticed the group’s provocative styling, especially members Minnie, Soyeon, and Yuqi. Minnie appeared in low-slung jeans exposing her underwear, while Yuqi lifted her top to reveal lingerie during the performance. The clips quickly went viral across Twitter and Korean forums, drawing both criticism and debate about artistic freedom versus social sensitivity.
After the event, Minnie shared several photos on Instagram showing the same outfit alongside Miyeon. The post was later deleted within hours following a wave of negative comments accusing her of disrespecting the event’s purpose.
Netizens criticized W Korea for turning what was meant to be a breast cancer awareness campaign into what they called “a luxury fashion show in disguise.”
Fans pointed out that the magazine’s official social media coverage focused almost exclusively on celebrity appearances and designer outfits, with no mention of fundraising efforts or survivor stories.
“They talk about champagne, clothes, and lighting — but nothing about cancer awareness. What kind of charity is this?” wrote one online commenter.
Following mounting backlash, several posts and videos related to the performances were quietly removed from W Korea’s Instagram and YouTube accounts.
This isn’t the first time I-DLE has faced controversy over their outspoken and fearless image. Known for their feminist and self-empowered concepts, the group — led by Soyeon often tackles gender stereotypes through their lyrics and styling.
While fans praise them for breaking industry norms, others argue that their attitude sometimes crosses lines of taste and respect. Shuhua’s blunt remarks and Yuqi’s past comments about concert tickets have previously sparked smaller online debates.
Despite the criticism, I-DLE continues to dominate the global K-pop scene with their unapologetic energy and viral hits. Their recent contract renewal with Cube Entertainment also stirred fan discussion, with many hoping the company will manage future public appearances more carefully.
Sources: Nate
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