Controversy Surrounds Pentagon's Kino Over Adult Content in New Music Video

Pentagon's Kino has sparked controversy with the inclusion of adult content in his latest music video for 'CLUB SEX CIGARETTES.' Both the public and some industry insiders have criticized Kino's actions, questioning the appropriateness of such content from a 'K-pop idol.'

Kino recently released the music video for 'CLUB SEX CIGARETTES' as a pre-release for his upcoming EP, set to drop on the 13th. Through this song, Kino aims to metaphorically express the human desire for freedom and liberation in a repressive society. In a press release from his agency, he stated, "I wanted to convey the message of whether following one's instincts without the mask of pretense is truly wrong."

In line with this theme, the music video depicts Kino, tired of a mundane and pretentious life, indulging in adult content and eating pizza freely. This has led to a wave of negative reactions, as evidenced by the comments on the YouTube music video.

The public has reacted with comments such as "Pretending to break taboos. Pretending to be an artist unafraid of censorship. Quite cheeky," and "It's vulgar and dirty." Others questioned, "This isn't America, so why try to appear as if influenced by foreign culture?" and "What was the point of showing a scene of watching adult content?"

Criticism also spread on social media. On the platform X, a user commented, "With the issue of women ending their lives due to hidden camera footage being re-discussed, what does including a scene of watching adult content mean at this time? Is the lyric 'I watch porn while eating pizza'?" This post garnered 1.97 million views, 20,000 likes, and over 11,000 shares within a day as of 3 PM on the 2nd.

Another user pointed out, "Female idols are constantly sexualized and targeted for deepfake pornography. Meanwhile, male idols are portrayed as consumers of pornography. This says a lot. Could a female idol pull off the concept Kino showed?"

As K-pop idols are in a 'visible profession,' they must be cautious in expressing personal beliefs. A prime example is avoiding political messages by wearing neutral colors and refraining from making V-signs during election periods.

Industry insiders have criticized Kino's actions, stating that K-pop differs from the pop market. A music producer explained, "Pop artists have more freedom of expression as their image is a result of their work. However, K-pop idols are 'idols' created by agencies and loved as icons." He added, "Kino's actions do not fit the K-pop idol image, which is why criticism is inevitable."

Meanwhile, online discussions have also highlighted issues of hidden cameras, following allegations of illegal leaks of CCTV footage involving Kiss of Life's Julie. This has further raised social awareness about women affected by the illegal distribution of intimate videos.

Min-Kyung Lee, Ten Asia Reporter 2min_ror@tenasia.co.kr