5th-Gen Idol’s “Worst-Ever” Cultural Appropriation Triggers Massive Backlash

And the explanation didn’t stop the backlash. Koreaboo 16 minutes ago FIFTY FIFTY’s Athena is being accused of the “worst cultural appropriation” fans have seen after her controversial styling went viral for all the wrong reasons. | @from.fiftyfifty/Instagram When a video from FIFTY FIFTY’s TikTok landed on X, fans zeroed in on Athena’s outfit: a black and red turban and robe with gold accents, paired with a drawn-on beard and heavy contouring. Immediately, many slammed the idol for cultural appropriation. 5050’s Athena doing this……????? is this not strange. this is like the worst cultural appropriation ive ever seen. pic.twitter.com/T8SMg83IrU — nene 𑄝੭ (@aeriminerva) September 12, 2026 Fans of FIFTY FIFTY were quick to clarify that the styling was intended to be a cosplay of Jafar, the villain from Disney’s Aladdin, with all members dressing up in themed costumes during a special dance practice for their song “Genie Magic.” it’s clearly a cosplay of jafar, if you got an issue with jafar take that shit up with disney https://t.co/8Kbgqg90I7 pic.twitter.com/ecLUtIIT4S — julia 🌙 (@moonlunelle) September 12, 2026 genuinely what about this is cultural appropriation? y’all just trying ...