Hwasa of K-pop girl group MAMAOO was confirmed to have been questioned by the Seoul police after the idol was accused of staging an indecent performance.
On May 12, the singer performed at the Sungkyunkwan University Festival as part of the filming for tvN’s variety show Dancing Queens on the Road.
However, a dance move for her performance in the song “Don’t” sparked online debate. Some praised the idol for her fierceness, while others claimed that the number was disturbing and inappropriate.
Aside from netizens, the university’s Student Parents and Human Rights Protection Solidarity also reportedly took offense in Hwasa’s performance. According to reports, a complaint was lodged against her at the Seongdong Police Station on July 10.
“It was enough to evoke a sense of shame and disgust among the audience,” the group was quoted as saying.
At the time, P NATION, Hwasa’s agency, issued a statement to say that the police were reviewing the case.
Developments on Hwasa’s controversy
On Sunday, September 10, the Seoul Seongdong Police Station confirmed that they have summoned Hwasa to question her about the controversial performance. The development came almost four months after the festival took place.
According to Korea Times, the police will reportedly decide whether to send Hwasa’s case to the prosecution. If the singer is found guilty, she could face a maximum sentence of one year in jail or a fine of 5 million Korean won.
Additionally, P NATION emphasized that their talent fully cooperated with the police during the investigation.
Moreover, Hwasa also recently spoke about the controversy during her guest appearance in Sung Si-kyung’s YouTube series.
“I don’t usually react much to malicious comments but it’s too harsh this time round,” she said. Said experience, she explained, gave her the inspiration for her latest single “I LOVE MY BODY.”
How Hwasa ended up chposing the song 'I Love My Body'
🦁 It was quite noisy a while back right? Because of the controversy, I went for MAMAMOO's US tour and the moment we'd landed I received lots of Kakao messages. So I thought to myself 'Ah…seems like something has happened' pic.twitter.com/27tEtMr5jb
— ㅌㅂ/TV (@lunaestreIIad0s) September 4, 2023
Fans show support for Hwasa
Following the news, fans took to social media to show their support for Hwasa. Using the hashtags “We stand with HWASA” and “Love with HWASA,” netizens have praised the singer for staying strong despite the hate.
Some also complimented the singer for breaking boundaries and inspiring fans with her songs.
hwasa has unapologetically been herself from the day she debuted. she never changed who she was to fit the crazy standards of the korean society in order to be liked by them. she kept it true. she will always be THAT woman.#WeStandWithHWASA
LET'S LOVE HWASA#사랑하는화사모멘트 pic.twitter.com/5XJVBVfERc— HWASA ☆ I LOVE MY BODY 🩷 (@AMOURHWASA) September 10, 2023
Poor Hwasa been fighting against incels & pick-mes since debut & here we are in 2023 & they’re still going out of their way to try & break her. The average person would’ve gave up by now with all the hate H receives daily in a mass quantity.#WeStandWithHwasa
LET'S LOVE HWASA https://t.co/tGEK7W7JW2 pic.twitter.com/hXkUM6bJ5d— ᡕᠵ᠊ᡃ࡚ࠢ࠘ ⸝່ࠡࠣ᠊߯᠆ࠣ࠘ᡁࠣ࠘᠊᠊ࠢ࠘𐡏~🩷🫧 (@TierraxHyejin) September 10, 2023
To the woman that always pushes boundaries and always tries to help others love themselves. The woman that was born to sing and perform and change standards.
I love you dear hwasa#WeStandWithHWASA
LET'S LOVE HWASA#사랑하는화사모멘트pic.twitter.com/99eJSeTpVt— Gio HWASA CB 09/06 ❖ art on my pinned (@swfs4x4) September 10, 2023
On September 6, Hwasa released the digital single “I LOVE MY BODY.” It marks her first release under her new agency P NATION.
It was in June when Hwasa left RBW, the agency who formed K-pop girl group MAMAMOO. In July, she signed with P NATION, the agency established by PSY.
Featured image: MAMAMOO’s Hwasa poses for the concept teasers of ‘I Love My Body.’ Credit: Twitter/P Nation
