3rd-Gen Idol Faces Scathing Backlash Over Cultural Appropriation

NCT member Yuta has been accused of cultural appropriation for his styling in recently posted photos.

Yuta | @yuu_taa_1026/Instagram

On October 28, KST, the official account of NCT Japan made a post on X (former Twitter), promoting Yuta’s first solo album, PERSONA. The post also included some concept photos.

2025.10.26 Release#YUTA The 1st Album 'PERSONA'

Jacket shooting Behind the Scenes#3
🎧 https://t.co/9kNrNykgll
💿 https://t.co/dUAZshcOZq
🎞️ 'EMBER' https://t.co/IaKAq3oiFE#ユウタ #유타#PERSONA #YUTA_PERSONA#NCT #NCT127 pic.twitter.com/lWwyVIlVTV

— NCT_OFFICIAL_JP (@NCT_OFFICIAL_JP) October 28, 2025

Netizens immediately noticed that Yuta’s hairstyle in the photos appeared to be a mix of dreadlocks and protective braids, both culturally Black hairstyles.

People were quick to call out this styling, expressing their exhaustion at the continued ignorance among K-Pop artists about Black hair, despite repeated criticism. Fans also noted how the mixing of dreadlocks and braids reflected how little research went into this styling. SM Entertainment was not spared from the backlash either as fans called them out for reposting these images, which were first posted in September on NCT’s social media. They felt that the re-posting only showed the label’s lack of interest in listening to fan feedback.

girl what the Fuvk😭😭😭😭😭DELETW THIS SHITTTTTTT https://t.co/t2ozKIiFLj

— bel ʕ ᵔⰙᵔ⠕ʔ (@haecheow) October 28, 2025

the braids AND the locs… a double homicide https://t.co/M3SFGMaHX9 pic.twitter.com/FKhcLVx9Ej

— vex met xnghan ꕤ (@jellypopology) October 29, 2025

Never in my 19 years as a black person ive seen someone have locs and braids on their head at the same time he looks like a hot mess pic.twitter.com/uJdhrvsABo https://t.co/ySrpzj0cdq

— meggy ᥫ᭡. (@capri_sung) October 29, 2025

Some tried defending Yuta, arguing that the concept photos were intentionally styled to emulate Japanese musician Hyde. But as many netizens pointed out, Hyde’s styling was also disrespectful to Black cultures, and hence didn’t help Yuta’s case at all.

Some of y'all really don't get that he is getting his inspiration for this look directly from Hyde….. https://t.co/zToFwkzwX6 pic.twitter.com/zvpt4lcroX

— Sakunade (@LemongrassToki) October 29, 2025

and where did hyde get inspo from quick https://t.co/3lcn2SH7YT pic.twitter.com/qNFTTrk7Zw

— lix • WINWIN DAY 🍉 (@fluffieaito) October 29, 2025

cultural appropriation once removed https://t.co/tqDhAYmrRi

— Certified Ragebaiter (@exolification) October 29, 2025

Given their historical, cultural, and political weightage, Black communities across the globe have constantly reiterated why non-Black people co-opting these hairstyles for simply aesthetic purposes is deemed disrespectful. Despite the constant call-outs, multiple K-Pop artists have failed to pay heed.

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