ENHYPEN’s “BDSM” Concept Triggers Outrage Amid Red Velvet Irene & Seulgi’s Controversy

Red Velvet’s sub-unit, IRENE & SEULGI, recently made headlines ahead of their comeback with TILT — but not entirely for the right reasons.

Irene and Seulgi for “TILT.” | SM Entertainment

On May 16, a series of teaser images were released, showing off the duo’s strong chemistry and bold concept. While many fans praised the visuals, one particular image quickly caused backlash among Korean netizens.

Irene and Seulgi for “TILT.” | SM Entertainment

The controversial teaser featured an oyster filled with pearls, a visual that some interpreted as a suggestive innuendo, referencing the way oysters and pearls are often used as symbols for female genitalia. Korean netizens voiced discomfort, with a post on the popular forum TheQoo gaining over 80,000 views and hundreds of comments criticizing the imagery.

“Disgusting” — Red Velvet IRENE & SEULGI’s Comeback Concept Sparks Heavy Backlash

In response, SM Entertainment quietly removed the oyster image from all official channels without making a public statement.

SM Entertainment Takes Drastic Action After Red Velvet IRENE & SEULGI Teaser Sparks Backlash

Around the same time, HYBE’s boy group ENHYPEN began teasing their upcoming June 5 comeback through a series of concept photos for their album DESIRE: UNLEASH.

Sunghoon for “DESIRE: UNLEASH.” | BeLift Lab

The teasers featured the members in dark, sensual poses, using provocative props such as ropes, handcuffs, masks, and even knives.

i wish i could've seen enhas faces when they arrived at the photoshoot and saw the props on the prop table pic.twitter.com/ekFwwAdcEn

— hanna ⚢ (@hypersunova) May 16, 2025

DID BELIFT STAFF BOUGHT THE PROPS IN BDSM SHOP😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/aqTGLxTGV5

— Natalieᴮˡᵒⁿᵈᴶᵘⁿᵍʷᵒⁿ𓆩seeing Enhypen𓆪;Fan account (@Nataenha_) May 16, 2025

carrying the bdsm in the vampire ok enhypen. I'm watching you https://t.co/jvRUYCSpvr

— joy‎ ☼ (@rihannafilm) May 16, 2025

While many international fans were excited about ENHYPEN’s daring new image, the contrast in how both concepts were received has sparked hot debate about double standards in K-Pop. Fans have pointed out the stark difference — with IRENE & SEULGI facing swift backlash over a photo, while ENHYPEN’s overtly suggestive concept has been widely praised.

enha doing literal BDSM but aseul can’t have a fuckass oyster? https://t.co/RZiQuNi9u2

— poppy ༝༚༝༚ (@heechuuverse) May 18, 2025

Whole ass bdsm concept god i hate men https://t.co/Nry8YkXSv8

— Joy is #BURSTING🎉 (@soshishade) May 19, 2025

so an oyster is inappropriate but this is acceptable??? https://t.co/mqNBwXAoQa

— ◎ (@loonitazzz) May 17, 2025

Many argue that the situation highlights how female idols often face harsher scrutiny, even for subtle imagery, while male idols are celebrated for being bold or edgy. The age and seniority of Irene and Seulgi (both in their 30s) have added another layer to the criticism, with many questioning why mature female artists are still being policed so heavily.

idgaf about enhypen i'm just sad because the double standards in kpop is crazy rv had to remove an OYSTER 🦪 because it's too sexual and 'uncomfortable' (aseul are 30+) but when a bg does it it's hot and sexy why do people hate women this much i don't get it https://t.co/Wa9r5JxfWz

— aeri 🦪 (@sealoona) May 18, 2025

As both groups move forward with their respective comebacks, the conversation surrounding gender-based expectations in K-Pop continues to grow.