K-Pop Accused of Stealing Black Culture After Viral Korean American Critic Speaks Out

The K-pop industry is again facing criticism over claims that it borrows from Black American culture without proper credit or understanding according to EURweb. The renewed debate follows a viral video that spread widely across social media platforms.

The criticism was sparked by Jane Lee, a Korean American music expert, whose video circulated across X, Reddit, and Lipstick Alley. Lee accused the K-pop industry of taking from Black hip-hop and R&B culture while failing to acknowledge its origins. She said the genre “steals the art, adds nothing, and erases the source,” a statement that resonated with many Black fans who said they have felt this way for years.

A thread on Lipstick Alley titled “Korean Woman Calls Out K-Pop Artists For Being Vultures & Stealing Black American Culture” drew thousands of views and comments. Users shared examples of idols copying Black hairstyles, slang, fashion, and rap techniques without acknowledging their origins. Some criticized what they described as poor imitation of rap styles and the frequent use of African American Vernacular English in songs. Others expressed frustration that K-pop artists profit from Black culture while remaining silent on issues affecting Black communities.

K-pop’s musical foundations have long been linked to Black American music. Industry founders such as Lee Soo-man and J.Y. Park have cited U.S. hip-hop and R&B as major influences. Many early K-pop songs mirrored American sounds from the 1980s and 1990s, along with similar choreography and fashion.

Critics argue that while musical inspiration across cultures is common, K-pop crosses into appropriation by drawing from a marginalized culture without proper credit or meaningful collaboration. They say the genre benefits commercially from Black cultural expression while offering little recognition in return.

Some Black K-pop fans say repeated controversies have led them to distance themselves from the genre. In online forums and public discussions referenced in the debate, fans describe feeling disrespected by incidents involving blackface, insensitive lyrics, and what they see as limited responses to racial injustice.

Not all fans agree with the criticism. Some Korean and international supporters argue that K-pop is a fusion genre shaped by global influences. Others point to South Korea’s post-war exposure to U.S. culture and the country’s relative homogeneity as factors affecting understanding of racial issues. Critics respond that these explanations do not address the harm described by Black fans.

Advocates say they are not calling for an end to K-pop’s global success but are urging accountability. Suggestions include hiring more Black producers, clearly acknowledging cultural origins, and avoiding harmful stereotypes in styling and language. While some K-pop companies have apologized for past controversies, critics say the changes often appear superficial.

Supporters of the critique say the issue extends beyond fandom and music, touching on broader questions of inequality and power in global cultural exchange. They argue that if K-pop continues to draw from Black culture, it must also show respect through credit, awareness, and inclusion.