NMIXX Accused Of Anti-Japanese Sentiments After Singing Viral Song About Dokdo Islands

Fans called them inconsiderate.

The fight between Japan and Korea about Dokdo (also known as Liancourt Rocks or Takeshima) has been a longstanding one. While Korea currently holds legislation over the islets, Japan has contested Korea’s claim on it. The small islet has become an enduring source of conflict between the two countries, with many Korean celebrities showing their stance on the conflict.

On a recent variety show appearance on MMTG, the girls were requested to sing a trending viral song. While the song is also a trending one that is based off many K-Pop hits such as SHINee‘s “Lucifer,” the lyrics refer to the Dokdo contest and the “Dokdo is our land” campaign. Some Japanese fans brought up worry of “anti-Japanese” sentiments in the group.

あんまり言及されてないの許せないので言うけどNMIXXのこの替え歌独島(竹島)ソングやばくない？
歌わされてるとはいえメンバーもノリノリなの複雑すぎるだろ
反日じゃないよね？まさかね… pic.twitter.com/MVbKxvKlNL

— Novvy (@idg_fc_spna) August 30, 2024

I can’t stand that it’s not being mentioned much, so I’ll say it: Isn’t NMIXX’s parody song about Dokdo (Takeshima) problematic? Even though they’re being made to sing it, it’s too complicated that the members seem to be really into it. It’s not anti-Japanese, is it? I hope not…

— idg_fc_spna

Other fans commented that it was not considerate to their Japanese fans and colleagues.

NMIXXって日本人メンバー1人も居ないし昔から竹島は韓国のものだって洗脳されて育ってきてるだろうから誰も独島の歌を歌うことに違和感を感じなかったのかもしれないけど、貴方たちの先輩にも自分のファンにも日本人が関わってる事を考慮するメンバーが誰1人として居なかったのが普通に悲しいね

— S (@yg_idol_) August 31, 2024

NMIXX doesn’t have any Japanese members, and they’ve likely been raised with the belief that Takeshima has always belonged to Korea, so perhaps none of them felt uneasy about singing a song about Dokdo. However, it’s genuinely sad that none of the members considered the fact that their senior colleagues and fans include Japanese people.

— yg_idol_

More than anything, fans are simply worried for the girls. While their skills are boosting their popularity, such issues can affect their career in Japan.

#NMIXX の件で、問題にしないで欲しいという声が出ている。いや問題にした方がいいでしょ。日本人の悪いところが出ている。少なくとも竹島の歌を楽しそうに歌うエンミを見て、僕ヒャ良い気分にはならなかった。この気持ちを運営に伝えて、これからに繋げて欲しい。超実力派なんだから巻き返せる。

— ちんちゃら (@omegu0201) August 30, 2024

Regarding this issue, there are voices asking not to make it a problem. No, it should be addressed. It highlights some of the negative aspects of Japanese attitudes. Seeing NMIXX happily sing a song about Takeshima didn’t leave me with a good feeling. I want to convey this sentiment to the management and hope it leads to future improvements. They’re highly talented, so they can turn this around.

— omegu0201

This is not the first time that idols have gotten flak over the islands. LE SSERAFIM‘s Chaewon was also slammed for mentioning Dokdo previously.

Japanese Netizens Accuse LE SSERAFIM’s Chaewon Of Being Anti-Japanese For Using This Korean Makeup Brand