[To: Jellyfish Entertainment and VIXXWe are international Starlights. VIXX is a group that is part of the Hallyu Wave. Because of this, we are concerned about VIXX’s image outside of South Korea. VIXX is a group that we honestly love and care for, so we implore you to listen to our request.
This is a plea to take action against portraying VIXX member N’s skin complexion in a negative manner by the members of VIXX. Please consider our following explanation for the reason of this request.
Starlights are always happy to see the fun-loving VIXX. We are pleased to see their good chemistry with each other. We do not want to change that. However, over the years, VIXX members have regularly teased N about his skin color. The jokes include drawing him as completely black, saying that he can’t be seen on camera because of his skin, puns involving his name, and more.
We know VIXX have no ill intentions with these jokes. We are aware of the difference in cultures that result in many points of view. However, we believe that this issue transcends cultures and borders. Despite the members’ light-hearted joking, these jokes are still very harmful to VIXX and Starlights.
As VIXX has toured the world, they have seen with their own eyes that Starlights come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. In many parts of the world, in the past and even today, people have suffered a lot simply for being born of a darker shade. This is why these skin color jokes carry a different weight for international fans. Of course, fans of all shades also exist in Korea. It is doubtless that many of them are also affected.
Whether or not N is used to the teasing, or says that it is okay, VIXX members’ words carry farther than N’s ears. VIXX has fans of all ages, including many who are young and easily influenced. Singling out N’s skin color and using it as a punchline is especially hard on fans with dark skin. Teasing N for being a shade darker than the other members implies to them that dark skin is ugly and undesirable. It tells them that the mere existence of their own skin merits any ridicule or mocking they receive from their friends.
Thousands of fans are, in effect, being told by people they love and adore that because of the color of their skin, they are inferior and not beautiful. Imagine if someone you adored constantly made fun of you for a physical trait you cannot change. It is painful. We do not think that VIXX members intend to cause their fans pain, but that is the effect nonetheless.
The problem extends even beyond Starlights. Every time a member of VIXX teases N for his skin color, there is a flood of negative comments about VIXX on twitter, international forums and websites. We have compiled a small sample of some of these comments, included at the end of this letter. This is having a huge negative impact on VIXX’s potential to attract more fans overseas.
International Starlights are very proud of VIXX. N, Leo, Ken, Ravi, Hongbin and Hyuk are good people who work hard and have accomplished great things. We love them very much. The jokes and comments about N’s skin color are disappointing. We don’t want to be disappointed in VIXX for any reason. We don’t want them to be known for anything negative, but rather for their music and amazing talents.
Please stop the jokes. Please.
Signed:
Ciera, USA
Kate, USA/Canada
Jenna, NZ
Christine, Australia
Alexandra, Singapore
Cha, The Netherlands
Anne, USA
Patri, Spain
Rina, Philippines
Tatiana, France
Madita, Germany
Nathalia, Brazil
Laura, Italy
Emily, UK
Note: The word “colorist” in the comments below means someone who ridicules or discriminates against others because of their skin color. In many countries, colorism is a huge problem and often overlaps with racism.]
This letter was carefully planned and collaborated on by Starlights of various countries and backgrounds.
Tumblr Starlights/Kpop Fans, if you agree with this letter, please click the link and sign your first name and country.
*We are also currently searching for people who are willing to help us translate this letter into Korean. Please respond in the reblog if you can.
Thank you! ♥
Very important to address the anti-blackness that is very pervasive in kpop.
