THE BOYZ’ Kevin Moon is dealing with some backlash after some fans interpreted his comments about creative practices and cultural appropriation in K-pop as an indirect dig at LE SSERAFIM.
https://www.instagram.com/kev.in.orbit/?hl=en
During a recent discussion about the industry, Kevin spoke about the use of Black and queer cultural influences in K-pop. As reported by Koreaboo, he questioned whether artists and companies properly recognize or support the communities whose culture is used in music releases. He cited house music and drag performers in music videos as examples.
Appropriation after appropriation
Black and queer culture
Absolutely no flowers given
And I have a problem with that— kevin moon (@kebeanmoon) August 28, 2026
Fans linked the remarks to LE SSERAFIM’s “Spaghetti” music video, which featured several prominent drag queens. The HYBE group has also released music influenced by house. Some online users consequently accused Kevin of shading LE SSERAFIM and criticized him as performative.
Other fans rejected the interpretation, emphasizing that Kevin did not name LE SSERAFIM or any specific group. They argued that his comments were aimed at broader industry and company practices rather than the members of one act. No direct evidence has established that LE SSERAFIM was the subject of his remarks.
as a big fan of both le sserafim and the boyz it’s so disappointing to see especially kevin speak so ignorantly about queer recognition by lsrfm like this. le sserafim’s interaction and recognition with the queer community goes far beyond featuring a drag queen in an mv, cont+ https://t.co/2Y9ZcJ5bq8
— AJ | 不死 (@Lesseraphic) August 29, 2026
i understand the impulse to defend lsfm but they’re an example, not a target. hybe okayed drag queens and ballroom beats for their mvs but were calling kevin and chanhee homophobic slurs in internal documents. i fear you’re gonna have to give him a pass here. https://t.co/wubNAVc5dG
— john¹²⁷ 🛩️ (@computercart) August 29, 2026
Kevin’s wider comments focused on authenticity and artistic freedom. KbizoOm reported that he is preparing a solo release designed to express his own message rather than simply stand out from his previous work. The outlet quoted him as saying that music should be authentic and reported that he warned the project could “push some buttons.”
Kevin also criticized an industry culture in which artists feel forced to censor themselves or “walk on eggshells.” He reportedly said that his experiences, including the negative aspects of his career, strengthened his desire to create music on his own terms. He also encouraged listeners to think more carefully about the intentions behind the music they consume.
The discussion comes as Kevin and the other members of THE BOYZ navigate a major career change. The Korea JoongAng Daily reported on August 6 that nine members Sangyeon, Jacob, Younghoon, Hyunjae, Juyeon, Kevin, Q, Sunwoo and Eric will continue group activities under a newly established label after leaving One Hundred Label. Member New was not included in the lineup.
It was also reported that the nine members had been involved in a contract dispute with One Hundred Label over alleged unpaid settlements. A court ruled in April in favor of their request to suspend their exclusive contracts.
The members will continue group activities together while pursuing individual management arrangements separately. The group said it remained committed to continuing as nine and thanked fans for supporting them during the dispute.
Kevin’s upcoming solo release may provide further context for his comments, but neither he nor LE SSERAFIM has confirmed a connection between the remarks and the group.