Amid unexpected anti-Japanese sentiment surrounding the comeback trailer of the group IVE (An Yujin, Gaeul, Rei, Jang Wonyoung, Liz, Lee Seo), director OUI of New Year, who produced the trailer, has made a statement.
IVE officially unveiled the trailer for their fourth mini album 'IVE SECRET' on their official YouTube channel on the 8th.
The released trailer video boldly flips the existing bright and lovely Cupid image and is produced with a concept of 'evil Cupid' that embodies IVE's chic interpretation. The members of IVE appear as six different Cupids, each with their own secrets, creating a scene with a cool atmosphere by dropping a tumbler and making a Finger cross or pulling out a hidden revolver from the 'Cupid's Guidebook.'
Midway through the video, An Yujin appears to change the atmosphere. While monitoring a couple's quarrel via CCTV, she checks a notification from a device requesting a swift response and begins to take action, while other members aim their revolvers at unicorns or burn paper cranes, revealing the contrasting side of 'evil Cupid' against the pure image of Cupid.
After the trailer's release, in Japan, some criticized the fact that the date the video was released was just a day before the atomic bomb fell on Nagasaki, questioning whether anti-Japanese sentiment was expressed by the Japanese member Rei wearing a shirt that says 'I'm Sorry,' and the appearance of a paper crane symbolizing peace between Japan and Korea, which was burned.
As some anti-Korean YouTubers joined in, the controversy escalated. Director OUI of New Year, who produced the trailer, stated on his social media account, 'In order to express the concept of the evil Cupid interfering with lovers' love, it was necessary to feature the burning of the paper crane, which is a medium of love. There is absolutely no other meaning.' He also added 'Peace' to emphasize that the suspicions were unfounded.
Meanwhile, IVE will release their fourth mini album 'IVE SECRET' and the title track 'XOXZ' on the 25th and will begin full-fledged comeback activities.
[OSEN]