Korean American solo artist Jessi is facing criticism over blocking a fan on social media.
Jessi has become an icon in the K-Pop industry, standing out from the crowd. While she is beloved by many now, she has not been free from criticism.
Since her comeback in 2016, she has been criticized, particularly due to her notable plastic surgery. While it’s the norm in Korea to undergo plastic surgery, especially in the entertainment industry, Jessi was criticized due to her obvious differences. Yet, she proudly owned it, although some netizens still are upset over the changes.
I like how I am now because I’ve tried all I wanted to try and got rid of it. I like me now. I also know that I can’t be perfect.
— Jessi
Likewise, she has been criticized for being “loud,” speaking her mind, and even how she dresses. Jessi certainly doesn’t fit the stereotypical idol image, but that’s what makes her unique, and she always has the best responses when people come at her for these things.
I know you’re not supposed to do this in Korea. But I’m ready to take the criticism. I believe it’s right for a woman to have confidence in her body. If you’re confident, you can show it off. I wish all women could be able to do everything they want.
ㅡ Jessi
A reoccurring criticism against Jessi, though, is that she is “blackfishing.”
“Blackfishing” is a term coined by journalist Wanna Thompson in 2018. It is essentially when a non-black person attempts to present themselves as racially ambiguous, normally black, usually to profit off of it somehow. For example, influencers and non-black rappers are often guilty parties.
Blackfishing is a type of interpersonal racism that depicts Black people as stereotypes and portrays Black culture as a product.
— Medical News Today
Another way in that Jessi doesn’t fit the K-Pop idol image is her skin complexion. She consistently has a tanned appearance that, while normal for the average Korean, doesn’t fit the “beauty standards,” especially in the entertainment industry. Unfortunately, many tanned idols feel shamed by colorist remarks to be lighter and even participate in eating certain diets or skincare routines to get a lighter complexion to fit that image.
