A Korean public cultural critic has expressed his perspective on Lisa (BLACKPINK) performing at the ‘Crazy Horse’ cabaret
Recently, Lisa (BLACKPINK) has faced numerous criticisms and controversies when deciding to perform for 5 nights at the Crazy Horse cabaret in France. Despite receiving a lot of negative reactions, the youngest member of BLACKPINK didn’t hesitate to openly showcase her photos at the cabaret, sparking even more contrasting opinions. Lisa even faced strong opposition from internet users and was asked to remove her Kpop idol label.
However, the South Korean media has had some objective perspectives on Lisa’s bold decision to experiment with this provocative art form at the sensitive cabaret. Kim Heon Sik (a public cultural critic/Ph.D. in Cultural Information Content/Council Member of the Future Happiness Generation KAIST) wrote an analysis supporting Lisa (BLACKPINK).
Lisa is completely independent in her decision-making.
Specifically, Kim Heon Sik mentioned that in South Korean society, the term “19+” is often associated with vulgarity and moral decay. This stems from the differing views between sensual aesthetics and adult content. These strict views led to Lisa (BLACKPINK) receiving criticism when performing at the Crazy Horse cabaret meant for topless dancers.
Kim Heon Sik stated, “I’m not defending Lisa’s performance because Crazy Horse may have gained more public recognition thanks to the BLACKPINK’s member. The criticism directed at Lisa is no different from the time Lee Hyori faced opposition for her provocative performance or when Hwasa (MAMAMOO) was investigated for her performance.
In the face of surrounding criticism, the most important aspect of Lisa’s case is her autonomy. Lisa confidently asserted that this project was her choice and not constrained by her management company.
Due to the different nature of Kpop activities compared to the agency-driven model, there are cases where an individual’s artistic endeavors may harm other group members. However, Lisa received sincere support and encouragement from her BLACKPINK members. Personally, I don’t object to this aspect of BLACKPINK.”
“The most important aspect of Lisa’s case is her autonomy. Lisa confidently asserted that this project was her choice and not constrained by her management company.”
– Kim Heon Sik
Lisa’s decision to disrobe in a performance portraying a female office CEO has reasons and a clear message.
Kim Heon Sik continued to analyze, “Unlike other dancers, Lisa wore her own costume, so the dance moves on stage cannot be seen solely as catering to the audience’s sexual desires. Some have concerns that Kpop is being ‘twisted’ into a tool for commercializing sexuality. However, Lisa’s performance at this show is quite different from that.
Although the entire performance has not been revealed, whether Lisa’s performance truly brings artistic excellence is a debatable issue. However, if you understand the context of the performance, you might change your perception and the social value of this show.
The performance ‘Crisis? What Crisis?’ may be the clearest answer. The act is set in the Paris Stock Exchange during an economic crisis, where female CEOs remove their office attire. While the act of disrobing could be seen as vulgar, there was a story behind it.
It recalls the stock exchange at a time when a company’s stock prices were plummeting. When a company’s stock prices drop due to an economic crisis, female CEOs undoubtedly feel the pressure. Despite their glamorous appearance, female CEOs, who are often the envy of many, actually face immense performance pressure in their daily lives.
When successful women put on their office attire, they become objects of envy. However, it also serves as a form of societal constraint on women. Therefore, shedding the corporate attire is a message of shedding the societal judgments and the scrutinizing gaze of others to return to one’s true self. Without understanding this context, Lisa’s performance could be misunderstood as being vulgar.”
“Shedding the corporate attire is a message of shedding societal judgments and the scrutinizing gaze of others to return to one’s true self. Without understanding this context, Lisa’s performance could be misunderstood as being vulgar.”
– Kim Heon Sik
Challenging the taboos that male idol groups cannot do needs to continue.
Public cultural critic Kim Heon Sik added, “The scope of Kpop needs to be expanded further. The social value and communal nature of true art should be created globally. This is because the standards set for idol groups primarily come from the preferences of young fandoms. Kpop should become a genre of music and performance that anyone in the world can enjoy. Regardless of the outcome, new efforts need to be recognized.
Kpop members should be considered true artists. Without new challenges, it will remain a genre of music primarily favored by young people. Moreover, the challenge of breaking the taboos that male idol groups cannot do must continue. However, expressing opinions and having open discussions about these efforts is necessary.”
“Kpop should become a genre of music and performance that anyone in the world can enjoy.”
– Kim Heon Sik
