THE BOYZ's Kevin Slams Cultural Appropriation in K-POP, LE SSERAFIM Drawn Into Debate

THE BOYZ member Kevin has spoken out about K-POP's use of Black and queer culture, saying the industry often borrows from those communities without giving enough recognition to where those influences come from.

Kevin posted a series of messages on X on Aug. 28 about his frustrations with the industry, touching on cultural appropriation, creative freedom and how artists and fans are treated. "Appropriation after appropriation. Black and queer culture. Absolutely no flowers given. And I have a problem with that," he wrote.

In another post, Kevin pointed to the industry's use of house music and drag performers. "It's all 'we featured a drag queen,' 'we're doing house now,' but where's the real recognition and celebration," he wrote.

The comment soon led some fans to wonder whether he was referring to LE SSERAFIM. The group ventured into house music with its 2024 single "CRAZY" and later featured drag artists in the music video for "SPAGHETTI." Kevin, however, never named LE SSERAFIM or any other artist.

Instead, he made clear that his criticism was directed at the system in which idols work. "I blame not one person. I blame the system," he wrote.

Kevin questioned an environment where young idols can spend years training and then be encouraged to follow whatever is considered "cool" without necessarily understanding the history behind it. He pointed to the sacrifices and experiences behind cultural movements that are later adopted as trends, arguing that greater awareness is needed when those influences enter K-POP. While acknowledging that he does not have all the answers, Kevin said "awareness" and "humility" should at least be expected within the industry.

His comments were welcomed by several fans, including Black and queer K-POP listeners who said it was significant to see an idol address a subject long discussed within fandom. Others agreed with Kevin's point that Black and queer influences are frequently visible in K-POP, but their origins receive far less attention.

The possible LE SSERAFIM connection drew a more divided response. Some fans of the group argued that its work with queer artists should not be reduced to cultural appropriation and pointed to what they described as its broader support for the community. Others questioned why LE SSERAFIM had been brought into the discussion when Kevin had not named the group.

Some also argued that references to house music and drag performers could apply to multiple K-POP acts and that focusing on one group risked overshadowing his wider criticism. Others took a more cautious view, saying they agreed with Kevin's broader point but felt the examples he chose left room for speculation over who, if anyone, he had in mind.

Kevin's posts went beyond cultural appropriation. He also criticized what he described as an industry that repeatedly pushes recycled trends toward highly dedicated fans while treating those fans as part of a business model. He also spoke about the pressure placed on artists as, saying they are often forced to "walk on eggshells" despite working in a field that should encourage creative expression.

For Kevin, that has made authenticity particularly important in his own music. He also suggested he could eventually say more about his experiences, writing that the day he tells the full story would be a "wake-up call."

The posts come shortly before Kevin releases his solo album "FREECHILD" on Sept. 2. He has said he had full creative control over the project and worked on it without label support.