[News] KARA criticized for remarks on Korean men


What was meant to be compliment has turned into a controversy after KARA talked about Korean dating culture on a Japanese variety show.

Recently a netizen posted onto online community board under the title, "KARA’s problematic statement", containing the clip from the Japanese show where KARA members talked about the dating culture in Korea.

During the show Kara members stated that in Korea, men almost always pay for everything on dates and some netizens have criticized the generalization.

Han Seungyeon said on the show, "Usually men pay for everything on dates. Ladies first" and Kang Jiyoung added, "They pay for all of your meals, and they carry your purse for you."

Upon hearing their statement, the male MCs were surprised and asked, "They even carry your purse for you?" and KARA answered, "Yes." The members added, "If the guy forgets to do that, it’s a big deal."

The netizen that posted the clip commented, "As a exemplary Hallyu girl group, they failed to speak with caution."

Netizens critized the group saying, "Now the women of the world will think we are just dumb men who do everything that we are told by our women", "They’ve distorted the Korean female image and Korean dating culture" and more.

However, some netizens gave their support for KARA saying, "Weren’t they just telling the truth?", "It seems that they’ve pointed out a problem that society can relate to" and "No need to overreact."