15 Legendary K-Pop Music Videos That Were Banned From Television
While South Korea is well-known for its amazing music videos, sometimes these videos can be a little over the top and the government does not approve. From some of the most violent to the sexiest, we’ve compiled a list of music videos that have been banned from ever being broadcast on television.
1. PSY’s “GENTLEMAN”
Although praised for its addicting tune and viral dance, the song that has been deemed “Gangnam Style” number two was banned for a seemingly trivial reason. In a scene at the start of the music video, the artist is shown kicking a traffic cone and then laughing into the camera. KBS revealed that this action resulted in the music video being declared unfit for public broadcast to the general audience.
2. Norazo – “Your Fortune”
This catchy track by Norazo is also banned from public broadcast due to its discussion of hypnotism and over-exposure of tattoos. Regardless, fans are still in love with the fun track and its crazy electronic beats and melody.
3. Orange Caramel’s “Catallena”
For the After School sub-unit’s music video, KBS deemed the scenes portraying the taking of human life as trivial to be troublesome, specifically “the scene where Orange Caramel members are wrapped inside a plastic wrap is causing the problem.”
4. Dalshabet’s “Joker”
Dalshabet‘s “Joker” was banned for a subtle lyrical reason rather than for its extremely sexy choreography and revealing outfits. The word “좆” (pronounced “jot”) which already seems similar to the word “조”(pronounced “joh”) is a crude word that refers to a very specific private part only present in males. The ban was eventually lifted after the group modified the lyrics.
5. Stellar’s “Vibrato”
Not much has to be said about this unbelievably provocative music video by girl group Stellar. Owning the 19+ sexy concept from their G-string teasers, the girls were able to top the music video charts with “Vibrato”.
6. Jay Park’s “Mommae”
For this track, the artist used a genius video teaser method to get fans eager for its release. Regretfully, due to its 19+ rating, the “Mommae” music video also was unable to receive approval from broadcast officials.
7. INFINITE H’s “Sorry I Was Busy”
This track by the INFINITE subunit was deemed unfit for broadcast by KBS. The profanity and vulgar expressions, as well as the inclusion of Japanese lyrics, were an issue as stated by the television station.
8. FIESTAR’s “One More”
The lyrics to this title track were banned as broadcast station representatives were uncomfortable with the implications of a sexual threesome. The group revised the lyrics in the midst of their promotions, responding quickly to the stations’ requests.
9. BIGBANG’s “BAE BAE”
The trippy music video from BIGBANG as a part of their extended comeback joins the banned list as well. The inclusion of sometimes not-so-subtle innuendo present in the music video was a deliberate decision on the part of the artists and they felt it was not an issue as all the members were 20+.
10. Zico’s “Tough Cookie”
This Block B member is known for his trendy hip-hop and natural confidence. Unfortunately, his solo track ran into some international disapproval with its homophobic and racial slurs as well as its use of sensitive imagery.
11. NCT 127’s “Cherry Bomb”
While the song may be a hit among fans, one broadcasting network was not impressed by their lyrics. KBS banned this song due to what they felt were violent lyrics that encouraged bad behavior among youths.
12. WINNER’s “Everyday”
WINNER‘s “Everyday” had no problems topping charts and receiving the go-ahead from major broadcasters like MBC and SBS, but they hit a snag with KBS. Due to KBS’s broadcasting regulations in regards to mentioning major brands, the song was banned from all radio and television broadcasts until the lyrics were changed. The lyrics in question are Song Mino‘s use of the word “lotto” during his rap!
13. Lee Hyori’s “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”
“Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” is in the same boat as PSY’s “GENTLEMAN”. The song was banned by the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family because the MV featured many traffic violations. While the video showed the singer driving without a seatbelt, dancing on top of a bus, and dancing in the street, the street it was filmed on was shut down just for this MV so no one was in any real danger.
14. TVXQ!’s “Mirotic”
This song may be one of the most iconic K-Pop songs around but when it was first released there was some major backlash. The Youth Protection Committee deemed the song to be harmful to youth because of what they considered to be erotic lyrics—mainly the use of “under my skin.” Although the complete ban was eventually lifted, the YPC continues to argue that the song is inappropriate!
15. BTS’s “Go Go”, “Pied Piper”, “Sea”, and “Skit: Billboard Music Award Speech”
BTS encountered numerous bans on their Love Yourself: Her mini-album. Four of their tracks were banned on KBS due to specific brand mentions and the use of slang and what KBS deems to be vulgar language.
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