Recently, RBW dropped individual teaser photos of the ONEUS members for their comeback single, “Now,” a remake of the 2000 hit song that Fin. K.L originally sang.
Every member looked handsome in the concept photos, showcasing various styles. Yet, some of Hwanwoong’s photos raised eyebrows. Fans questioned the multi-colored headpiece he was wearing, saying it looked to be a Supreme durag.
Guys isn’t the head piece he’s wearing a durag? I’m not too sure but isn’t it the same as this pic? /genq https://t.co/OKKihlrzN5 pic.twitter.com/8hgiAXBoPV
— shireen -`♡´- (@seohocat) May 12, 2024
why does he have a durag on? https://t.co/7DLaBfeF4A
— lychee ⊹ (@woogkis) May 12, 2024
Historically, durags were created as a protective tool for Black men to protect textured hair from damage and maintain hairstyles and curl patterns. The history of the durag can be traced back to the head wraps worn by enslaved Black Americans, which society viewed as “signs of poverty and subordination.” In the 1990s, the Black community reclaimed durags as a symbol of pride and empowerment. So, it is considered cultural appropriation for non-Black people to wear durags as an accessory.
So, concerned fans are attempting to educate others on the cultural significance of the durag and why it’s problematic for Hwanwoong to be styled with it for aesthetics. They are also hoping to make RBW aware, too.
+ Black folks who wear durags to protect their hair have faced lots of racist and anti-Black backlash for doing so, and so hwanwoong wearing one is very dismissive and insensitive of that fact, thus it’s important that he and the stylists are held accountable and apologize 🙏
— dulce 🏁 (@xioniez) May 12, 2024
“Now” releases on May 22 at 6 PM KST.
