"Sexual Objectification" vs "Just Art": BLACKPINK Nurse Outfit MV Controversy

Tight-fitting nurse outfit, red heels... "Typical sexual code"
Hashtag '#NanghosaNeunCostumeIAnida' appears on SNS
YG: "No intention of sexual objectification... Please see it as art"

A scene from the music video of girl group BLACKPINK's new song "Lovesick Girls." Photo by BLACKPINK YouTube video capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] Girl group BLACKPINK is facing controversy for wearing nurse costumes with sexual codes in the music video for their new song "Lovesick Girls."

Costumes that evoke sexual imagery (makeup and outfits imitating celebrities, characters, or specific roles) have long been criticized for potentially instilling distorted perceptions of certain individuals. As popular culture, which has significant social and cultural influence, once again depicts certain professions in a sexualized manner, voices of criticism from citizens are growing louder.

The Health and Medical Workers' Union under the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions issued a statement on the 5th, saying, "In BLACKPINK's 'Lovesick Girls' music video by YG Entertainment, one member appears wearing a nurse costume," and pointed out, "Although the hair cap, tight and short skirt, and high heels are seriously detached from the current nurse uniform, under the excuse of a costume, the outfit and direction simply follow the existing typical sexual codes."

The problematic scene is about five seconds in the middle of the music video, where member Jennie is seen wearing a nurse costume while looking at a chart. In this scene, Jennie appears wearing a hair cap not used by actual nurses, a tight-fitting nurse outfit, and red high heels.

File photo. / Photo by Yonhap News

Citizens who saw this have raised their voices in criticism, calling it a "clear sexual objectification."

An office worker A (29) said, "What nurse these days wears such clothes to work? This is sexual objectification of nurses and misogyny," adding, "Not only nurses but when certain professions are portrayed like this, such perceptions unconsciously become ingrained in people. These perceptions can lead to sexual harassment and derogatory remarks against women. It is not only insulting to those working in specific professions but can also undermine the value of their labor."

After the music video was released, hashtags such as '#NurseIsNotACostume', '#nurse_is_profession', and '#Stop_Sexualizing_Nurses' appeared on social networking services (SNS) and online communities, calling to stop the sexual objectification of nurses.

A netizen who identified herself as a nurse posted photos certifying the protective clothing, mask, and gloves she usually wears at work, saying, "This is what I wear when I work."

Costumes evoking sexual imagery have been continuously criticized in the past as well. Especially during Halloween every year, costumes that sexualize certain professions such as nurses, flight attendants, and police officers by making the outfits revealing or tight-fitting have been criticized for sexualizing workers and distorting perceptions of those professions.

The Health and Medical Workers' Union stated, "Although nurses are healthcare workers and medical professionals, they have had to endure sexual objectification and derogatory depictions questioning their professionalism simply because many in the profession are women," adding, "The more popular culture repeats distorted images of nurses, the worse this situation becomes. Now that BLACKPINK's new song is ranking high on various global charts, we urge YG Entertainment to take responsible action commensurate with their popularity and influence."

In response to these criticisms, YG Entertainment stated that there was no intention to sexually objectify any profession and asked for understanding that it was part of artistic expression.

On the 6th, YG Entertainment released an official statement saying, "The scene featuring a nurse and a patient reflects the lyrics 'No doctor could help when I’m lovesick.' There was absolutely no specific intention, but we express concern over the distorted views being cast."

They added, "We ask that the music video be viewed as an independent art genre, and we would appreciate your understanding that each scene was meant to express the music and had no other intent."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.