NCT’s Hendery Under Fire For Racially Insensitive Hairstyle

“He should be educated on this and learn from it.” – Fan

While NCT and WayV member Hendery is typically known for bringing joy to fans with his funny antics, a set of photos he posted on Weibo has caused some fans to allege cultural appropriation and attempt to educate him on why they found it so upsetting.

| @NCTsmtown/Twitter

In three of the photos, Hendery poses with fake dreads paired with a Rastafarian-inspired headband.

| 威神V_黄冠亨_HENDERY/Weibo
| 威神V_黄冠亨_HENDERY/Weibo

Although Hendery removed all of the photos from his Weibo page shortly after uploading them, that didn’t stop them from reaching fans.

| 威神V_黄冠亨_HENDERY/Weibo

Hendery’s name soon became a trending topic on Twitter as fans called attention to the hairstyle and the fact that other fans attempted to dismiss their concerns altogether.

Since Hendery may not have known about why the wig was viewed as cultural appropriation, many fans sought to educate him on it.

| 威神V_黄冠亨_HENDERY/Weibo

They pointed out that cultural appropriation is common among many K-Pop groups—whether intentional or not—and wanted to give him and other idols the tools to be extra careful and respectful of other cultures.

As of now, neither SM Entertainment nor Hendery has responded to the matter.

NCT