Stray Kids' Notes from Met Gala Photogs Prove the Need for Inclusivity

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The 2024 Met Gala was supposed to be a star-studded triumph for Stray Kids, when the current faces of Tommy Hilfiger achieved a historic first on fashion's biggest night. However, amidst this magic, Stray Kids fans – and, maybesome of the members themselves – were left with an experience marred by disrespectful treatment by red carpet photographers, highlighting the systemic barriers non-Western performers still face in Hollywood.

The eight-member Billboard 200 band attending the Met Gala marked the first time an entire group had joined the glitzy bash together. While 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 en masse in navy jackets that will soon reveal the custom. “Fits different clothing brand colors of red, white and blue underneath.

But a few feet away, amidst a flurry of camera flashes that surrounded all sides of the concert entrance, there were disparaging comments from on-site photographers groaning at the group's “robot” behavior, upset that the reveal was done with their back to one set of photographs and thinking that the band wouldn't Only understanding Korean reveals the thinly veiled biases that still plague the industry.

(Note: The video below includes subtitles that do not always match what can be heard.)

like Daily Mail Some points noted that people would “feel confused” because the group took photos with their coats on and off — a racist stereotype that is difficult for people of Asian descent to visually differentiate. One photographer can be heard making his peers laugh after he joked that viewers thought “two K-pop groups” attended the 2024 Met Gala. (From this reporter's findings over the past 48 hours, no one made that mistake.)

The incident highlighted the unfair challenges that global celebrities like Stray Kids face as they navigate lesser-known territories in pursuit of global success.

Despite the instances where SKZ has adapted easily and comfortably to the American trans media landscape Live interviews like the BUILD series or People TV, or last year's MTV VMAs, or various fashion weeks, singers still face barriers and a dismissive attitude toward their attendance. It reflects a lack of understanding while emphasizing the need for greater cultural sensitivity and inclusivity in the entertainment industry.

Most of children's media experience relates to Korean and Japanese events, which feature systems and red carpets organized differently than in the United States. At a typical K-Pop event, press conference, or awards ceremony, there is a podium for artists to take photos for photographers who collectively photograph together during a designated photo time. Under the guidance of an MC, host, or team leader like Bang Chan, the performers almost always coordinate their poses left, center, and right so everyone can get a range of angles and shots. After this allotted time, photographers are left to their own devices to get the best photos.

In this context, Stray Kids tried to show love to all sides of the photographers on the Met Gala carpet by swaying so that four members were more forward toward one side of the cameras and then turning so that the other four were more forward toward one side of the cameras. The second set of photos. Also note: While the paparazzi knew that Stray Kids was a K-pop act, members Bang Chan and Felix grew up in Australia and Seungmin spent some time in Los Angeles; Assuming an English comment would get past them (including “What's the Korean meaning of 'correct'?”, which drew laughter from the pts) he's incredibly close-minded.

While it's important to understand that photographers need usable, applicable images for their livelihoods, the diversity that Stray Kids bring to a function like the Met Gala should be celebrated rather than marginalized. Perhaps the prospect of shooting for an eight-member boy band represents a new professional challenge rather than something to regret.

Korean artists have been attending the Met Gala for over a decade, with guests like PSY and Super Junior's Siwon attending over 10 years ago, and more recently, seeing the likes of BLACKPINK's Jennie coming to her second Met Gala this year. Considering fashion's ongoing and growing affinity with K-Pop partnerships, it is likely that more K-Pop groups will attend in the future.

Whether the comments were heard or not, Stray Kids moved with elegance and poise on the carpet, their presence alone reminding us of the importance of inviting and embracing different cultures, people and perspectives.

From the reality show that created their group in 2017, Stray Kids have an unwavering determination to defy expectations and rise above adversity. Despite the obstacles, the band's all-round talent, humility and relentless spirit to keep moving forward are not only recognized by one of the world's most prestigious events but increasingly felt across the globe. painting Graphs. As they continue to break boundaries and challenge norms, Stray Kids can show how they will not only make waves in the music industry, but will help reshape old perceptions and inspire greater change.