Popular K-pop girl group TWICE is once again facing controversy. JYP Entertainment recently launched the group's Season's Greetings merchandise, but the promotional concept has repeatedly drawn fan dissatisfaction. Now, a series of photos featuring member Minatozaki Sana (사나) 'cleaning a window' has become the latest target of criticism. Many netizens believe that what appears to be a normal cleaning scenario has been made to look overly sexual and suggestive due to the shooting angles and presentation, leading to accusations that the company disregarded the female idol's image and safety.
The controversial merchandise is themed 'Spotless,' with Sana depicted holding window cleaning tools and wiping glass. However, after the photos were released, some fans argued that the issue wasn't the cleaning concept itself, but rather the photographic presentation, which they felt could lead to unnecessary speculation. They also expressed concern that the images could be screenshotted and recirculated by malicious individuals, becoming material for the objectification of the idol.
Given that JYP Entertainment's recent Season's Greetings projects for its girl groups had already faced criticism over their conceptual design, the release of Sana's photos further inflamed fan anger. One netizen expressed frustration, asking, "Who approved these photos?" Another stated they had already disagreed with the overall concept and were furious after seeing Sana's window cleaning pictures, even suspecting that someone within the team might be intentionally putting the members in a disadvantageous position.
Some fans also pointed out that Sana has long been frequently interpreted in a sexualized manner by the public, making the appearance of such suggestive photos particularly uncomfortable. Some directly tagged JYP Entertainment on social media, questioning why the company would release photos that they knew could be misinterpreted and misused by some netizens, demanding that the company address the image and personal safety of its female idols.
In addition to criticizing the photos themselves, some fans urged others not to repost the images to prevent further spread of the controversial content and to avoid them being exploited by inappropriate accounts. One netizen wrote, asking everyone not to click, interact with, or republish these photos, and demanded that the company improve its marketing strategy to avoid exposing members to unnecessary risks.
This incident has once again sparked discussion about image management for K-pop girl idols. Fans believe that when planning merchandise concepts and photo shoots, entertainment agencies should not only pursue creativity and buzz but also consider how images might be interpreted and whether they might expose artists to unnecessary sexualization.
As of the original report, JYP Entertainment has not yet responded to the criticism regarding Sana's photos. The public continues to monitor whether this controversy is merely a disconnect between the concept and fan expectations, or if there are indeed aspects of the photoshoot's presentation that require review.
