Why Did BTS' V Wear A Durag During His Recent Live Stream?

K-pop idols are always at the center of attention, whether through appreciation from their fans or through controversy generated by ignorant things.

This time, BTS’ V, also known as Kim Tae-hyung, is at the center of a controversy following his livestream this Sunday. So, what exactly happened?

On October 8, BTS’ V was live streaming on Weverse, and after interacting with the viewers for a while, he showed a red durag and wore it on his head, claiming that it was given to him as a gift, but V didn’t mention who gave it to him. However, many found it offensive to the Black culture as Black men wear durag to protect their hair. 

BTS’ V Wearing a Durag Sparks Controversy: Why Did He Wear It?

Recently, following Lil Uzi Vert’s performance in South Korea, Kim Tae-hyung, the K-pop idol, streamed on Weverse and consequently interacted with fans through comments.

However, when fans spotted a red-colored durag on a keyboard stand behind him, V showed it to everyone and wore it, saying, “I received it as a gift.”

After perfectly tying it and keeping it on for a few seconds, he removed it and did not confirm who actually gifted it. But many believe it is the singer Lil Uzi Vert since V has a history of collaborating with Black artists.

Apparently, it was seen as offensive because durag was specific to Black culture as many men used to wear it from the 1970s, and it was also previously worn by enslaved people in the 19th century.

Once the livestream ended, many people began criticizing V for wearing durag so casually and not knowing it is considered offensive to wear it. However, the singer wore it because it was given to him as a gift.

Furthermore, he showed it to his fans out of kindness, so we believe people were a bit harsh on V, especially when he didn’t harbor any racial intentions.

How Did Netizens React to V Wearing Durag During Live Stream?

If people didn’t criticize V for wearing a durag, it wouldn’t even have become an issue, so the reactions were pretty much mixed, with several people bashing the singer while many backed him up.

For example, an X user named @te6drick expressed his disappointment for V wearing the durag as it can be considered a cultural appropriation.

“I am actually sick to my stomach. As black people, there’s not much leeway for us to comfortably enjoy media, especially K-pop. Seeing somebody like Taehyung in a durag is just too much to ignore and pass up when I was giving Kai the blues for wearing his. I’ve had enough.” 

Meanwhile, several fans backed up Taehyung, saying it is not offensive to wear a durag when they don’t have ill intentions.

Another X user named @agusdidit backed up the singer and told why V didn’t mean it to be malicious.

“For the people trying to downplay Taehyung wearing the durag: it’s part of black culture and used to protect our hair. It’s been used especially in K-pop to portray “hip-hop “and “hood “or “gangsta “vibes, linking blackness to these stereotypes. He is not racist, but it is ignorant.” 

Here are some other notable reactions:

So, what do you think about V’s latest controversy? Do you believe people took it too far? Let us know your stance in the comment section below.

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