Kino, K-pop singer, faces backlash for watching adult content in a scene of new music video; full controversy over his latest solo track explained

Kang Hyung-gu (Kino), a South Korean K-pop singer who is a part of boy band Pentagon, landed in trouble over the music video of his latest solo track. In one of the scenes of the song, he was seen watching adult content during the act.

The controversy has erupted over the song “CLUB SEX CIGARETTES,” the latest solo release by Kino. The video of the song is also grabbing eyeballs for its bold imagery. According to online news platform kbizoom, the song drew flak from social media users after it became embroiled in controversy over a scene where Kino lounges casually, appearing to watch porn while eating and smoking during the act.

Netizens react

The scene from the song “CLUB SEX CIGARETTES” went viral on social media platform X and received harsh criticism both for the inclusion and timing of the scene. Several users highlighted its insensitivity amid ongoing public discussions in South Korea about the illegal filming and exploitation of women.

“What’s the point of showing him watching porn? Especially now, with all the news about women being illegally filmed?,” a user wrote, according to kbizoom. “This reeks of fake edginess. Club, sex, and cigarettes? Trying too hard to look rebellious,” wrote another. “Another ‘wannabe artist’ hiding behind shock value and calling it expression [sic],” a third user said.

A bunch of X users were also seen accusing Kino of trying to appear “Westernized” in the worst way, mimicking aesthetics without understanding cultural context. Amid the backlash, some fans came out in support of the singer and defended the music video, calling it a raw artistic expression, arguing that the song’s themes deal with hedonism and existential detachment.

Amid the social media debate over the song, neither Kino nor his agency has issued a statement addressing the controversy.