Kim ‘V’ Taehyung of BTS, recently came under fire for wearing a durag while participating in a livestream. A durag, or tightly-wrapped material, is frequently connected to Black and hip-hop performers.
Fans were split by the implications of V’s choice of attire, which quickly sparked a contentious discussion on social media. Post attending an afterparty for the artist Lil Uzi Vert in Seoul, V streamed on WeVerse shortly thereafter. Many viewers focused on a red durag that was hanging behind him on a keyboard stand while he engaged with followers.
“I received it as a gift,” V further elucidated when he briskly puts it on during the live session.
Mixed Reviews
V’s actions, according to some fans, showed disdain for Black culture, and it looked that he was utilising the durag to project a “hood” or “gangsta” image.
On social media, one supporter shared their opinions and said, “For people trying to downplay Taehyung wearing the durag: it’s part of Black culture and used to protect our hair. He is not racist, but it is ignorant.”
Another wrote, “I wake up, and the first thing I see is Tae wearing a durag. I’m crying so bad, what?”
“Why the f**k Tae got a durag, and which dumbs gave it to him?” asked a user.
Some fans, however, backed V and emphasised that it should be acceptable for anybody to wear a durag without fear of being accused of cultural appropriation. They posited the possibility that V was ignorant of the durag’s cultural importance and historical background.
Someone wrote, “Anyone can wear a durag. I see it all the time around me, and yes, I’m Black. Taehyung always promotes Black artists. He even works with them.”
Another added, “As a Black person, I don’t understand why Taehyung wearing a durag is offensive, especially if it’s not being used in an offensive way and especially because it was a gift. I don’t know, educate me if I’m wrong.”
V just released his debut solo album, Layover, on the professional front.
