“Instead Of Thinking About Our Skin Colors…”: BLACKSWAN Fatou’s Message To Netizens

Few active K-Pop fans haven’t heard of BLACKSWAN, one of the newest girl groups in the industry that are set on breaking the mold. Comprising members Fatou, Nvee, Sriya, and Gabi, this K-Pop girl group isn’t your traditional ensemble. What sets them apart is their diverse backgrounds, with members hailing from different parts of the globe, bringing with them a rich wealth of cultures, experiences, and stories. It’s exactly this cultural tapestry that has prompted the group’s leader, Fatou, to convey a poignant message to netizens.

BLACKSWAN’s formation is a testament to the expansive influence of K-Pop, reaching far beyond South Korea’s borders. None of its members, despite their varied nationalities, are originally from Korea. Yet, their shared love for the K-Pop genre has unified them under a common banner, and together, they have taken the bold step of pursuing their dreams in the heartland of K-Pop itself — South Korea.

Diversity in any form can be a double-edged sword, especially in the limelight. While it can be a unique selling point, it can also be a point of contention. This is particularly true in the world of K-Pop, where there are certain set “expectations” regarding aesthetics. BLACKSWAN’s diverse lineup undoubtedly drew attention and curiosity, but with that came certain biases, assumptions, and even outright prejudice. Comments on their videos and posts sometimes strayed from their music, focusing instead on their appearance and racial backgrounds.

K-pop stans when you tell them Blackswan is a global K-pop grouppic.twitter.com/12olWkW1yJ

— Maven꒰ঌ໒꒱⪩ ⪨ (@maven390) October 1, 2023

This should be solid proof for some of you Kpop stans to see that Koreans are supportive of Blackswan, they just need time and to be promoted more. Just bc they haven't gone viral OVERNIGHT like your faves don't mean they won't have their breakthrough. THIS IS ONLY THE BEGINNING! pic.twitter.com/s6glYHRfGN

— InternalSunshine ⪩ ⪨ (@InternalSunnie) September 27, 2023

It is in this context that Fatou’s message to netizens and fans becomes significant. The group’s leader provided a gentle yet firm reminder to netizens about the essence of music — it transcends boundaries, races, and cultures.

Instead of thinking about our different appearances and skin colors, please watch our performances for what they are.

— BLACKSWAN’s Fatou

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A post shared by Fatou (@b_fatou_s)

It’s a call to appreciate art for what it is and not let extraneous factors cloud judgment. By emphasizing the comfort and positivity their songs bring, Fatou shifts the narrative from their skin colors back to where it truly matters: their artistry and the message they want to convey.

Our goal as BLACKSWAN is to bring comfort to people with positive messages in our songs.

— BLACKSWAN’s Fatou

But why did Fatou feel the need to address this? The world of the internet is vast, with netizens often voicing their opinions without a second thought. For artists, especially in the K-Pop industry, these opinions can be loud, magnified, and sometimes overshadow their actual work. Fatou’s statement aims to redirect the discourse back to the music and its purpose.

BLACKSWAN, with their assorted backgrounds, undeniably add to the global appeal of K-Pop. Their story is inspiring — not just because of where they come from — but because of where they aim to go. Fatou’s plea to focus on the essence of their work is a timeless one. It’s also a call for all of us to celebrate diversity, not just in music but in every facet of life.