On October 27, 2024, TWICE's subunit, MiSaMo, released the official music video of their latest single, Identity. Comprising TWICE’s three Japanese members—Mina, Sana, and Momo, MiSaMo debuted in 2023 with their EP, Masterpiece.
Meanwhile, their latest single, Identity, garnered 3.1 million views on YouTube but earned criticism from Korean and Chinese fans for alleged s*xualization in the MV.
Protesting fans claimed that the choreography was allegedly demeaning to women. The choreography segment in question is a 3-second step where Mina, Sana, and Momo lie down on the ground and slide through between the legs of their male dancers.
Reportedly, a faction of the fanbase sent protest trucks outside JYP Entertainment, demanding the removal of the promiscuous choreography from the MV. The taglines displayed on the protest trucks were as follows:
- "Get rid of MiSaMo’s meaningless s*xual choreography"
- "Edit the choreography immediately and protect MiSaMo’s image"
- "We’re against the choreography that insults women. Modify MiSaMo’s choreography immediately."
However, global fans are defending TWICE-MiSaMo, lashing out at the protesting fans. One X user wrote:
"They complain about the dumbest things"
International fans criticized those who were protesting against the new song by spending money on "trucks for changing choreography, and not the alleged lack of promotions."
"So let me get this straight. They didn't send the trucks for the horrible promotions Misamo is getting, to a point that half the fandom isn't aware of the release. But they sent a truck for a choreo, which is just a bit more bold at best??" one fan wrote.
"They're the toxic type of fans I'd gladly see gone. They think it's their prerogative to dictate what the artists can and cannot do," another fan stated.
"If you feel insecure after 5 seconds of choreography, it's not MiSaMo's fault. It's worrying that you only focused on that and thought stupid things... plus they are adults you know?" another fan said.
Others stressed that "there’s nothing wrong" with the choreography and the three TWICE members are adult women, who can decide what is best for their art.
"If the choreography was with female dancers you guys you’ll be liking uh? There’s nothing wrong and you should be worried about other things," one fan commented.
"China bars being inactive the whole time and won't help with albums streams or mama votings but you'll see them complaining about random things to attack the members just useless," another fan wrote.
"The only way this choreo is disrespectful to MISAMO/women is if they didn't consent to it and were robbed of their agency. Nothing points to that being the case. They are successful, influential adults with a lot of creative control over their artistry. That should be respected," another fan added.
More about TWICE's first subunit MiSaMo
Since their official debut in 2023 as a subunit, MiSaMo released their mini-album titled Masterpiece, which garnered substantial attention for its seamless blend of Japanese and Korean influences. The group’s concept showcases each member’s personality, adding a more mature and refined angle to the traditionally bright image of TWICE.
The album’s lead single, Do Not Touch, received praise for its bold and sultry tones, resonating with TWICE fans. The music video for the single was especially noted for its high production quality, intricate choreography, and striking visual concepts.
MiSaMo's debut has also strengthened TWICE’s influence in Japan, with Masterpiece topping charts on Oricon and breaking into Billboard Japan’s Top Albums chart.
Managed by JYP Entertainment, TWICE is a nine-member group composed of Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Momo, Sana, Jihyo, Mina, Dahyun, Chaeyoung, and Tzuyu. TWICE’s recent album, READY TO BE, debuted in the top 10 of the Billboard 200.
They also became the first K-pop girl group to sell out back-to-back North American stadiums for their READY TO BE world tour (April 15, 2023 – July 28, 2024), adding cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago to their list of sold-out shows.