K-Pop fans are experiencing a profound sense of déjà vu as rookie HYBE idol TUIDE’s Seoyeon finds herself embroiled in a controversy eerily similar to one faced by her older sister, TWICE’s Jihyo, several years ago.
Less than two weeks after TUIDE’s highly anticipated official debut, both Seoyeon and her fellow member Jia are facing significant backlash for their stage styling on this week’s Inkigayo performance.
Along with Baby DONT Cry’s Yihyun, the trio have been accused of cultural appropriation after appearing in outfits that fans argue are clearly based on Native American culture.
now why the mcs of inkigayo dressed like native americans?? 🧐 pic.twitter.com/xnLwtLMsll
To many within the K-Pop community, the intense storm surrounding these fifth-gen idols feels hauntingly familiar to a past controversy involving Seoyeon’s own superstar sister, Jihyo. Back in 2018, Jihyo also came under heavy fire for wearing what was perceived as a Native American “costume” to TWICE’s special ONCE Halloween fanmeeting.
The incident sparked widespread discussion when the idol introduced herself as “Indian Jihyo” during the event, explaining that she had chosen the costume because her skin had become tanned. Adding to the controversy, later during the fanmeeting, she was reportedly seen imitating a Native American war cry.
Twice Jihyo cont.
-Mocked/Initated Native American war cry pic.twitter.com/3TIznecYsa— Kpop Receipts (@Kpop_Receiptz) October 28, 2018
Despite these incidents happening a significant eight years apart, fans were quick to draw immediate and strong connections between the two moments. The core criticism remains strikingly the same for both scenarios, with numerous netizens slamming the idols for what they view as cultural appropriation and disrespectful, even racist, mockery.
it’s an homage to jihyo their senior pic.twitter.com/5nzJWNO4dn
— 🪽 (@knowaboutliz) September 6, 2026
following in her big sis footsteps🧘♀️💕 pic.twitter.com/Z0UQPlbUgy
— zena bena🤍 SACHANISNOW (@seungsauce) September 6, 2026
the apple does not fall far from the tree i see…
— 𝒊’𝒎 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒋𝒐𝒚🐥 (@fhjtdhg) September 6, 2026
At the time of the TWICE star’s controversy, neither Jihyo nor her agency, JYP Entertainment, ever issued an apology or publicly acknowledged the incident. Similarly, HYBE and TUIDE’s sub-label ABD have also yet to release a statement or comment on the current situation.
