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

BLACKPINK‘s comeback MV for “How You Like That” and YG Entertainment are under fire from Indian Blinks for allegedly disrespecting their culture and religion.

On June 26, BLACKPINK made their long-awaited comeback with a pre-release single titled “How You Like That”. When the MV was released, Indian fans soon noticed that during Lisa’s solo scenes, she can be seen in an alley, and the scene then cuts to her being seated on a throne.

Upon closer inspection, they saw that while seated on the throne, there was a statue of the Hindu deity Ganesha next to her, placed on the floor.

In the Hindu Pantheon, Ganesha is one of the most important deities worshipped. Revered as the remover of obstacles, he symbolizes wisdom, and is a patron god of art and the sciences.

One of the criticisms leveled at these particular scenes is that 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.

Another criticism that Indian fans have of the scene is that the statue of Ganesha was used as a prop in an MV, and many fans are critical of the MV using Hinduism as an aesthetic.

Blinks also leveled accusations of cultural appropriation, but other fans believe Lisa is not appropriating Indian culture, as Ganesha is worshipped in Thailand as well, under the name Phra Phikanesuan. 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.

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

This kind of behaviour can't be accepted in any way. It is highly disrespectful. We put Lord Ganesha above over anything.
All we want is to remove that scene from the MV & official apology.#YGapologise #Ganesha #MyCultureIsNotYourAesthetic pic.twitter.com/KkZkVeZJcz

— neetkaur (@INDExoLNeet) June 26, 2020

We are aware of the issue in How You Like That MV.
We Belive that it's Offensive to usage of Lord Ganesha's Idol and we will try to contact YG Entertainment regarding it pic.twitter.com/UB2IC35XjM

— Blackpink India ( 브링크) (@BLACKPINKIndia) June 26, 2020

People are saying "STATUES CAN'T BE HANGED , THEN THEY WILL BE KEPT ON FLOOR" . Listen Ganesha ji is just not a "STATUE" . We worship him . Ganesha ji is never ever kept on floor level . It is very disrespectful . pic.twitter.com/w0iyvdjnVs

— Ani⁷ ⟭⟬ 🐠 (@JoonsLoverGirl) June 26, 2020

#YGapologise
You must apologise because you did offend a community… Not because you are blackpink or Bighit or anything.. I still respect you, Blackpink, because it's a step more difficult to get to where you are than male idols. You are still great.

— Han Hansung⟭⟬ (@Claudelev1) June 26, 2020

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