JYP Entertainment Receives Backlash For Whitewashing TWICE’s Jihyo And ITZY’s Lia
This has long been a problem in the Korean Industry.
K-pop entertainment agency JYP Entertainment is currently under fire for the makeup choices of their female idols during recent stage performances. A post on X (formerly known as Twitter) is currently going viral, pointing out TWICE Jihyo and ITZY Lia’s mismatched foundation shade. The wrong foundation colour makes their face and overall appearance look very unnatural. Read on to know more.
JYP Accused Of Whitewashing TWICE Jihyo And ITZY Lia
K-pop agencies and makeup artists have long been accused of whitewashing their artists. It is not uncommon for a K-pop idol to step out wearing a foundation shade that is two or three times lighter than their skin tone. Many blame the Korean beauty standards for this practice however this trends continues even when these Korean idols attend international events.
Almost every K-pop group you know has been guilty of doing this. Twice, Seventeen, and most recently SM Entertainment’s group Aespa came under massive controversy when pictures of their lightened faces in contrast to their natural skin tone went viral.
View this post on Instagram
The post criticising Jihyo and Lia’s makeup has been viewed by over a million people and has triggered divided responses. Many criticise JYP for promoting these toxic beauty standards, while some defend the company by saying that they are simply a reflection of Korean standards.
are the makeup artists in jype okay pic.twitter.com/bHNZyDZ6s8
— val (@qweenbeeval) July 13, 2025
Though this practice indeed originates from traditional Korean standards favouring fair, pale skin. However, with K-pop’s growing global reach, international fans increasingly prefer idols to embrace their natural skin tones and avoid whitening products.
Also Read: SEVENTEEN Mingyu Teasing TWICE Jihyo’s Drinking Habits Has Fans Laughing Out Loud!
JYP has not yet responded to the discussion. Nonetheless, the event underscores ongoing debates about changing beauty standards in K-pop and the tension between domestic norms and international expectations.
Also Read: JYP Entertainment Under Fire For Allegedly Photoshopping TWICE Jeongyeon’s Body In New Music Video!
First Published: July 17, 2025 5:10 PM
