BLACKPINK’s “How You Like That” MV CONTROVERSY Under Fire For “Disrespectful” Use Of Indian God Ganesha


source: YG Ent.

BLACKPINK's long awaited "How You Like That" MV is under fire for “disrespectful” use of the Hindu God Ganesha.

It is widely known that BLACKPINK comebacks are one of the most awaited events for BLINKs because of its "rarity." However, that's not the case nowadays and BLINKs are overwhelmed with excitement and happiness with the continuous release of new music from BLACKPINK. Just a few weeks ago, BLACKPINK collaborated with the sensational Lady Gaga in the electronic dance "Sour Candy."  

Finally on Friday, BLACKPINK released their comeback "How You Like That" MV. It has been breaking and setting new records ever since it's release but will all that attention, all of their actions are under intense scrutiny. 

Just hours after the premiere of "How You Like That," Indian BLINKS are complaining that YG Entertainment and BLACKPINK is using their culture and religion for aesthetic purposes in the MV. Indian BLINKS are demanding an apology from YG Entertainment because of the alleged disrespect shown to Hindu God Ganesha.

In one of Lisa’s solo scenes, she is seated on a throne and if you look closer to the screen, while Lisa is seating on the throne, there is a statue of the Hindu deity Ganesha next to her, placed on the floor. The Hindu God Ganesha statue is seen on the scene for 1.20 seconds.


In Hinduism, Ganesha is one of the most important gods worshipped. He is the remover of obstacles, he symbolizes wisdom, and is a patron god of art and the sciences.For the Hindus, Ganesha statues are always set on a pedestal or in a higher place. Meanwhile on the MV, Ganesha is placed on the floor, which is seen as immensely disrespectful to the deity. Hindus believe that the statue of gods should always be placed on high surfaces and never on the floor. Lisa is also wearing shoes near the idol, which is seen as further disrespect as shoes are strictly not allowed near statues, temples, etc.

The use and placement of the Ganesha statue as a prop in Blackpink comeback single How You Like That MV led to the disappoinment and outrage of Indian BLINKS.

On the other hand, other Blinks remained neutral during the accusations of cultural appropriation, while other fans believe Lisa is not appropriating Indian culture because Ganesha is worshipped in Thailand as well, under the name Phra Phikanesuan

Thai Department of Fine Arts emblem
source: Thai Department of Fine Arts emblem

In Thailand, Ganesha is also depicted as the emblem of the Thai Department of Fine Arts, and also of Thailand’s first prominent fine arts academy, Silapakorn University.  Aside from Hindus in India, Ganesha is also worshiped by Hindus in other countries like Nepal, Sri Langka, Thailand, and many more. 

Indian BLINKS began trending #MyCultureIsNotYourAesthetic, #Ganesha and #YGapologise, demanding action to rectify the scenes in the MV but they also cleared up that they are not blaming Lisa, but want a response and apology from the agency.

So far, YG Entertainment has not responded to the concerns, and Indian fans continue to ask for answers.

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