(G)I-DLE apologizes over Red Cross costume controversy

K-pop girl group (G)I-DLE poses in stage costumes that sparked criticism for the unauthorized use of the Korean Red Cross emblem. Captured from Instagram

K-pop girl group (G)I-DLE apologized for the unauthorized use of the Korean Red Cross emblem in its stage outfits.

(G)I-DLE's agency, Cube Entertainment, addressed the issue on its official social media account Monday, apologizing to all concerned parties for misusing the emblem after facing criticism.

"We have contacted the Korean Red Cross to apologize and are actively cooperating to prevent recurrence and take follow-up measures," the agency said. "We sincerely apologize once again to all the concerned parties for any inconvenience caused."

The controversy arose Friday when (G)I-DLE performed its new summer song "Klaxon" on KBS' Music Bank. During the performance, the members wore stage costumes emblazoned with the official Red Cross emblem, leading to criticism for the unauthorized use of the symbol.

Members of the Korean Red Cross pack disaster relief kits to deliver to the regions impacted by the recent deadly downpours at the Gyeonggi branch of the Korean Red Cross, July 15. Yonhap

According to Article 25 of the Organization of the Republic of Korea National Red Cross Act, the use of the Red Cross emblem is strictly prohibited for any person or organization that is not the Red Cross or has not obtained approval from a military medical institution or the Red Cross itself.

Violators can face fines of up to 10 million won ($7,200) or penalties of up to 5 million won ($3,600).

This is not the first time a K-pop idol group has faced controversy over inappropriate outfits.

K-pop group BLACKPINK's music video "Lovesick Girls" shows member Jennie wearing the controversial nurse costume. The scene has been deleted after criticism arose. Captured from Youtube

In October 2020, BLACKPINK's Jennie was criticized for dressing as a nurse in the "Lovesick Girls" music video. The outfit was condemned for sexualizing nurses and belittling their professionalism.

The Korean Health and Medical Workers' Union criticized the portrayal, saying, "The nurse outfit, including a hair cap, tight and short skirt and high heels, perpetuates typical sexual codes."

Back in March 2016, TWICE member Tzuyu also sparked controversy with a T-shirt she wore on SBS' music program Inkigayo. A statement on the outfit featured the provocative phrase, "Hoes take off your clothes."

At the time, her agency, JYP Entertainment, admitted they had not sufficiently checked the idol's stage costume and apologized, promising to be "more cautious to prevent such mistakes in the future."