Many feel the act was intentional by the company.
Koreaboo
Recently, the boy group VANNER faced criticism over imagery in some official goods.
A few weeks ago, VANNER announced their season’s greetings. The initial preview only showed a blurred version of what appeared to be the cover, along with details about its contents.
The first few teaser images were revealed in early December, including one showing the members seated around a table with what appeared to be a rug and dynamite on top. The season’s greetings features a spy-esque theme, so this initially did not seem out of place.
However, what appeared to be a rug was identified as a prayer mat used to create a barrier between the individual and the ground. While other religions use prayer mats and rugs, they are most associated with Islam as they are used during prayers, which happen multiple times daily.
Embed from Getty Images
While misusing the prayer mat as a decoration would be considered offensive to many, this was only made more severe by the placement of a bomb and guns on top. Muslims have faced discrimination based on the stereotype that all followers of the faith align with those who have extremist or terroristic views, and this could be viewed as a mockery of this.
On December 12, VANNER’s company, KLAP Entertainment, addressed the complaints from netizens, issuing an apology.
안녕하세요, 클렙엔터테인먼트입니다.
VANNER(배너) 2025 SEASON’S GREETINGS 촬영 소품 중 일부에 종교적 의미가 포함되어 있음을 확인했습니다.
이에 따라 해당 촬영 소품이 노출된 컨셉 포토는 삭제 조치하였으며, 포토북 또한 전체 수정 및 재검수 진행하였습니다.당사는 해당 소품의 종교적…
— VANNER 배너 (@VannerOfficial) December 12, 2024
Hello, this is KLAP Entertainment.
We have identified that some props used during the VANNER (배너) 2025 SEASON’S GREETINGS photoshoot contain religious symbolism. As a result, we have taken steps to delete the concept photos featuring those props and have initiated a complete revision and reinspection of the photobook.
Although there was no intention to impart any religious meaning through the props, we sincerely apologize to anyone who may have been hurt by this oversight.
We promise to conduct more thorough reviews in the future to prevent similar incidents. Please note that the modification of these images will not affect the delivery schedule of the Season’s Greetings.
Thank you.
— KLAP Entertainment
This is the second time recently that the company has had to apology specifically for the misuse of Islamic imagery following Kep1er’s Yujin wearing a shirt featuring image of the Kaaba.
Girl Group Stars Hit With Backlash For Wearing Controversial T-Shirt Disrespectful To Islam
Due to this, and the placement of guns and a bomb, many netizens felt that it was done intentionally rather than accidentally as the company claimed.
behind the artistry of kpop, there will always be the mindmaster who hates Islam/ Islamophobic
You see there? guns, timer b0mb placed on prayer mat, like they can’t think of any concept for SG
WE ALWAYS BE THE ONE WHO EDUCATE THEM TO STOP BEING RACIST https://t.co/a8zegLgGoF
— 따라해 ✨️ 🇵🇸 (@zceneztealer) December 13, 2024
from klap again???? they have some islamophobic staff right there 😭😭 https://t.co/mxouP2f7R9
— fina (@kkultaraeim) December 13, 2024
What the fuckk.. this nasty shit is deliberate there is no other way https://t.co/wardKl7zqP
— ᯓ✦sia (@blurrtubatu) December 13, 2024
