Back in 2019, MAMAMOO member Hwasa made headlines with her “no-bra” look as she walked through the Incheon International Airport after attending the SBS‘s “Super Concert” in Hong Kong.
While Korean women showered Hwasa with tremendous support, Korean media did scandalize her choice of fashion and turned it into a sizable “issue” for the idol. Thrown into the spotlight, Hwasa received some criticism—as bralessness was (and still somewhat is) frowned upon in Korean culture.
Hwasa Shows Up At Airport Braless, K-Netizens Show Support
Years later, in the latest episode of YouTube channel Studio Suze‘s series hosted by TV personality Jang Sung Kyu, Hwasa addressed the airport look as “the most unexpected issue” that happened in her career.
Referring to the idol as a trendsetter, Jang first praised Hwasa for having an undeniable ability to make anything and everything go viral. When Jang asked if Hwasa had ever found herself amid a scandal she had not anticipated, though, Hwasa did not hesitate to refer to the airport look as her “no bra issue.”
Jang Sung Kyu: You’re a born entertainer. Everything you do becomes a hot topic… So what’s an unexpected issue that’s come up?
Hwasa: The biggest one was… you know.
Jang: What was it?
Hwasa: The no-bra issue.
Hwasa explained that she doesn’t prefer, and has never liked, wearing bras because it is uncomfortable and it gives her indigestion.
It just gets really uncomfortable for me. When I wear a bra, I always feel so bloated after eating. I would get indigestion everyday, ever since I was young.
— Hwasa
Even when referring to the look now, in 2024, Hwasa mentions it being “bad,” which provides some more context to how the Korean culture and public view bralessness.
Hwasa: The members used to freak out. They would be like, “Hyejin, no! You can’t [go out without a bra]!” But I wondered… How long do I need to keep wearing it? So, I decided to start not wearing it in more casual settings, where it’s okay. But… I didn’t know it was such a big deal. I was not aware it was so bad.
Jang: It’s not bad!
Hwasa: But it was, back then. Given the public perception at the time?
Jang: Ah, I see.
Hwasa: Now, people are so much more accepting.
Like Hwasa explained, her fellow members first tried to stop her from stepping outside without a bra, knowing the reaction it would garner. But when her airport look did become an “issue,” the members stepped up and defended her choice 100%.
MAMAMOO Defend Hwasa’s “No Bra” Issue And Ultimately Protect Her From Unnecessary Controversy
Watch the full episode below.
