Popular Female Idol’s Egregious Cultural Appropriation Forces Apology

Soomin of tripleS is facing major backlash for what many say is a flagrant case of cultural appropriation.

The group appeared in Taipei for a fan sign event this week, at which fans brought costumes and accessories for the members to wear. Among them, one look given to Soomin quickly became the center of controversy.

The star was pictured wearing a white thobe and a ghutra headpiece secured by an agal: replicas of traditional attire worn by Arab and Muslim men across the Gulf region as both everyday and religious dress. On top of that, Soomin finished off the look with a stuck-on beard and mustache.

Photos from the event quickly became the subject of fierce criticism, with many labeling the styling “cultural appropriation.” Some fans defended Soomin, arguing that she had no intention to mock anyone and placing more blame on the fan who supplied the outfit, along with the staff who allowed it. Others shared that they did not find the outfit personally offensive and made lighthearted tweets about the situation.

I am really trying to see what yall are seeing but for me this is not insulting my culture in any way. She didn’t act in a bad way or mock arabs she literally just wore the outfit and posed. pic.twitter.com/1N6H2xgdsL

— ssamu (@joyullz) October 17, 2026

We still demand that Modhaus, the K-MONSTAR staff, and the person who brought that outfit come forward, take full responsibility, and offer a sincere apology to Soomin. pic.twitter.com/tfKPZNBMIf

— for soomin (@forsoomin_S6) October 18, 2026

me trying to impress allah trade pic.twitter.com/UiLmQOnSeC

— JYP Disciple (@wxrdna) October 17, 2026

On the flip side, many pushed back, maintaining that the choice to wear the outfit was still ignorant and offensive.

I hope soomin learns that what she did was not okay, but islamic discrimination is so normalised especially over there so i cant say im not shocked, being apart of an islamic family, ive seen enough, and this wasnt great soomin lets not do this again😭

— JIYUBJN IS REAL (@jiyubified) October 17, 2026

Soomin clearly made a mistake. It’s important to point this out and educate her on why what she did is wrong so she can learn from it.

— Asharii (@Ashlarii) October 17, 2026

I love soomin but I will be holding her accountable for what she’s done even in the past, I hope modhaus will release an apology soon. Also soomin please educate yourself about these topics!

— ʜᴀʜᴀʏᴇᴏɴ²⁴ (@hahayeon24) October 17, 2026

Shortly after the controversy went viral, Soomin addressed the backlash directly in a message to fans. Stating that she hadn’t understood the outfit’s meaning at the time, she apologized and added that she would take this as a chance to “learn more about and better understand the culture.”

I want to apologize to those who felt uncomfortable because of the outfit I wore at a recent fan signing event..

At the time, I didn’t fully understand the cultural and religious significance of the outfit. I will take this incident as an opportunity to learn more about and better understand the culture!

Once again, I want to apologize to those who felt uncomfortable.

— tripleS’s Soomin on Cosmo Talk