82MAJOR’s Yechan Called Out For Cultural Appropriation

Great M Entertainment boy group 82MAJOR (formerly trainee group Rare House) recently made their comeback with the new EP BEAT by 82, including title track “Choke.”

Yoon Yechan’s styling for this comeback has come under fire due to cultural appropriation.

Cultural appropriation takes place when members of a majority group adopt cultural elements of a minority group in an exploitative, disrespectful, or stereotypical way. To fully understand its consequences, though, we need to make sure we have a working definition of culture itself.

— Britannica

In the “Choke” music video and some promotional images, Yechan is sometimes styled with what appears to be braids or, more specifically, cornrows. The styling varies from the video and images, but each includes a form of braids with some type of head covering, whether a headband or beanie. Some fans took to social media to express their dismay.

Cornrows (sometimes called canerows) are a style of traditionally three-strand braids, originating in Africa, in which the hair is braided very close to the scalp, using an underhand, upward motion to make a continuous, raised row. Cornrows are often done in simple, straight lines, as the term implies, but they can also be styled in elaborate geometric or curvilinear designs. They are distinct from, but may resemble, box braids, Dutch braids, melon coiffures, and other forms of plaited hair, and are typically tighter than braids used in other cultures.

The name may refer to the corn fields or sugar cane fields of the Americas and Caribbean. According to black folklore, cornrows were often used to communicate on the Underground Railroad and by Benkos Biohó during his time as a slave in Colombia. They often serve as a form of black self-expression. Cornrows are traditionally called “kolese” or “irun didi” in Yoruba, and are often nicknamed “didi braids” in the Nigerian diaspora.

— Wikipedia

did anyone else see the amount of braids in 82majors new mv.. cuz when i watched it this morning i legit said “YECHAN WHY DO U HAVE BRAIDS..” if this is not braids pls correct me! pic.twitter.com/GNITZWqszv

— lucia | seeing p1won in hou tx (@chiaseedzXD) April 29, 2024

now why is yechan in braids…nigga what…? https://t.co/gLSBB3qMIu

— ???? nyxie (mingi’s REAL wife) ???? (@WOOAHAEBOT) May 1, 2024

Now who gave yechan them two single braids from dollar tree pic.twitter.com/MSbn8cXJPV

— sola is seeing piwon (@insoulmniac) April 30, 2024

Yet, it was the group’s recent TikTok, featuring Yechan dancing, that really sparked backlash. As he danced in front of the sundown, he was shadowy, so his hairstyle wasn’t clear, but it looked much like the one he wore in the “Choke” MV.

@82major_official

♬ Choke – 82MAJOR

Netizens commented, calling out the idol for cultural appropriation. Many fans were disappointed.

Some pointed out that the styling is the company or stylist’s fault rather than the idol himself.

Still, many wished that Yechan had stood up for herself against the styling. They believe he should know better, as he is Canadian.

Some even referenced Yechan’s brother, Keeho, who is the leader of P1Harmony. In 2022, Keeho discussed cultural appropriation on the Zach Sang Show after the host asked, “Is [cultural appropriation] on your mind while you’re coming up with your look, while you’re sharing your story with the world?” Without hesitation, Keeho replied, “Oh my God, of course, of course, of course.” 

I believe it’s a responsibility, and I also feel like if you’re gonna have that big of a platform, you need to be able to respect and appreciate all cultures without appropriating them. Whenever it comes to our styling, our music, or whatever — it’s always a sensitive topic that we always have to think once, three times, four times about in every step of the way, visually or musically or the language itself. Obviously, there’s AAVE and a whole bunch of other cultural stuff that is very sensitive, and so we need to respect that, and I feel like it’s a responsibility to, so I feel like it’s something that we’re always thinking about and taking action about.

— Keeho

keeho speaking abt cultural appropriation and how they actively think to make sure they are respectful throughout the entire music making/video-making process pic.twitter.com/LnWx3cZUsN

— keeho loops (@keeho_loops) June 2, 2022

So, fans wished that Yechan shared his brother’s mindset or was even kept in check by him. However, since Yechan is still considered a rookie idol, as the group only debuted last year, he might feel afraid to challenge authority.

This would not be the first time Yechan was called out for cultural appropriation, though. Read more below.

Boy Group 82MAJOR Just Made Their Debut, And Netizens Are Already Calling Out A Member For Cultural Appropriation