Beginning with the criticism that came from KISS OF LIFE’s “Sticky” music video, netizens just can’t seem to stop their comments about what is overly sexual and inappropriate. Now, (G)I-DLE’s music video is making headlines for being too revealing.

As summer hits, we all know that means K-pop is coming out with all the summery, beach-themed tunes. It’s no surprise that many of the music videos will be more revealing than usual. To fit the season, (G)I-DLE recently made a comeback with their song “Klaxon,” and upon its release, netizens were quick to point out that the music video was a bit too much. Particularly, member Shuhua’s outfit, which had a deep V-neck and was more of a swimsuit type of attire.

Additionally, the dance music version of the video on Jeju Island sparked even more controversy. Several shots were angled more on the members rear side, and the girls can be seen wearing bikinis and swimsuits, which led netizens to be quite shocked, with some even calling it inappropriate and excessively sexual.

While there were netizens quick to criticize the performance and music video, others responded by pinpointing the double standards between female idols and male idols. This has always been an ongoing topic of discussion, but it seems more prevalent now as the summer season has come. For example, Nayeon faced criticism for alleged weight gain after her appearance at the 2024 Waterbomb Summer Festival, and now (G)I-DLE is under fire for a simple summery music video.

When a female idol steps out in shorts or a bikini, it’s often seen as too revealing and inappropriate. Cue the backlash: people flood social media with comments, criticizing their clothing choices and even body shaming them. Female idols have to walk this impossible tightrope of being sexy but not too sexy, modest but not too modest, all while under the relentless gaze of the public.

Now, let’s talk about male idols. These guys can perform shirtless, rip their clothes off on stage, and it’s all good. In fact, it’s more than good – it’s celebrated. Fans go wild, praising their physique and dedication. The double standard here is painfully obvious: while female idols get slammed for showing a bit of skin, male idols are cheered on for baring it all. This isn’t just about clothes; it’s about the different expectations society has for men and women, and it’s a glaring example of gender inequality in the entertainment industry.

This double standard puts female idols in a tough spot. They’re scrutinized way more harshly for their appearance and actions, knowing that any outfit or move could trigger a wave of negative comments. It’s a constant balancing act that can stifle their creativity and self-expression. Meanwhile, male idols have the freedom to experiment with their image and performances without the same level of fear or backlash. They can take risks and show off their personalities, knowing fans and the media will likely be supportive.

There's also the issue of age for former female idols/singers, as veteran artist/actress Uhm Jung Hwa highlighted. She explained that in every article about her, reporters will always mention her age first and then her name, whereas male stars rarely have their age mentioned in headlines. In Korean entertainment, it’s often harder for female stars to return to the industry after getting married and having a child compared to their male counterparts.

The impact of these double standards is huge. Female idols might feel pressured to tone down their looks to avoid criticism, which can limit how they express themselves on stage. This pressure can lead to increased stress and anxiety, as they’re constantly aware that any misstep could lead to a flood of negative attention. On the flip side, male idols benefit from a more relaxed and encouraging environment, which can boost their confidence and allow them to push creative boundaries.

So, where do these double standards end? Why can’t everyone simply enjoy what the stars are providing, whether it be a performance or a music video?

Granted, the entertainment industry is never easy because you’re constantly in the public eye. You can’t expect to satisfy everyone, but is there really a need to go out of your way to make such comments? Apparently, netizens think so, but what do you think?