The 2024 Met Gala should have been a triumph for the star-powered Stray Kids when the current faces of Tommy Hilfiger made a historic debut at fashion's biggest night out. However, amid the fascination, Stray Kids fans — and, probablysome of the members themselves — were left with the experience marred by their disrespectful treatment by photographers on the red carpet, highlighting the systemic barriers non-Western artists still face in Hollywood.
The eight-piece Billboard 200 chart-toppers in attendance at the Met Gala marked the first time an entire group has graced the glitzy gala together. Making their Met Gala debut in tailored suits alongside Tommy Hilfiger himself, members Bang Chan, Changbin, Lee Know, Hyunjin, Felix, Han, Seungmin and IN arrived at the Metropolitan Museum of Art collectively in navy jackets that soon they would reveal the custom. It matches the various shades of red, white and blue of the clothing brand below.
But a few meters away, amid the flurry of camera flashes surrounding all sides of the Gala's entrance, snide comments from photographers moaning about the group's 'robot' behavior, annoyed that the reveal was made with their backs to a group photos, and believing the band would only understand Korean, reveal the thinly veiled prejudices that still plague the industry.
(Note: The video below contains subtitles that do not always match what is heard.)
As The Daily Mail It was noted, some grandparents said people would be “confused” because the group took pictures of them wearing their coats, a racist stereotype that people of Asian descent are difficult to differentiate visually. A photographer can be heard making his peers laugh after joking that viewers would think “two K-pop bands” attended the 2024 Met Gala. (From this reporter's findings from the past 48 hours, no one did this error.)
The incident shed light on the unfair challenges international celebrities such as Stray Kids face when navigating less familiar territory in pursuit of global success.
Despite the instances where the SKZ easily and comfortably adapted to the American media landscape live interviews such as the BUILD series; the People TV, last year's MTV VMAs, or various Fashion Weeks, singers still face obstacles and a dismissive attitude towards their presence. It reflects a lack of understanding while highlighting the need for greater cultural sensitivity and participation in entertainment.
Most of the Children's media experience is at Korean and Japanese events, which have systems and red carpets structured differently than in the United States. At a typical K-pop event, press conference or award show, there is a platform for the artists to pose for the photographers who are all taking pictures together during a special photo hour. Guided by an MC, host or group leader like Bang Chan, the artists almost always coordinate their pose to their left, center and right so that everyone gets a range of angles and shots. After this dedicated time, the photographers are left to their own devices to take the best photos.
With that in mind, Stray Kids tried to show love to all sides of the photographers on the Met Gala carpet by going crazy so that four members were more in front of one side of the cameras, then turning so that the other four to be more forward for the second group of photos. Also worth noting: While photographers knew Stray Kids was a K-pop act, members Bang Chan and Felix grew up in Australia, and Seungmin spent some time living in Los Angeles. To assume that an English comment would escape them (including “What's Korean for 'right'?”, which elicited giggles from the grandparents) is incredibly off-putting.
While it's important to understand that photographers need useful and actionable photos to make a living, the diversity that Stray Kids brings to an event like the Met Gala should be celebrated rather than marginalized. Perhaps the prospect of filming an eight-piece boy band could be a new professional challenge instead of something to mourn.
Korean artists have been attending the Met Gala for over a decade, with guests like PSY and Super Junior's Siwon attending more than 10 years ago and, more recently, seeing the likes of BLACKPINK's Jennie come for their second Met Gala this year. Considering fashion's consistent and growing affinity for K-pop collaborations, even more K-pop groups are likely to attend in the future.
Whether the comments were heard or not, Stray Kids moved with grace and confidence on the carpet and their presence alone reminds us of the importance of inviting and embracing different cultures, people and perspectives.
Since the reality show that created their group in 2017, Stray Kids have had an unwavering determination to defy expectations and overcome adversity. Despite the obstacles, the band's supreme talent, humility and tireless spirit to keep moving forward is not only recognized by one of the world's most prestigious events, but is increasingly felt in various Advertising sign diagrams. As they continue to break boundaries and challenge the rules, Stray Kids can show how they will not only make waves in the music industry, but help reshape long-held perceptions and inspire greater change.
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/culture/lifestyle/met-gala-stray-kids-photographers-remarks-need-for-greater-cultural-inclusivity-in-western-entertainment-1235676602/
