Fans have already called out the company.
Koreaboo
Recently, it was revealed that THE BLACK LABEL would debut a new group, less than a year after the debut of MEOVV.
The group already attracted attention for its rumored line-up and the fact that it will be co-ed rather than a single-gender group. Some of the rumored members included former ILLIT‘s Youngseo and Annie Moon.
On June 8, the line-up and its official name, ALLDAY Project were announced.
ALLDAY PROJECT#ALLDAYPROJECT #ADP #올데이프로젝트#THEBLACKLABEL #더블랙레이블 pic.twitter.com/HV6us7oxhc
— THEBLACKLABEL (@THEBLACKLABEL) June 8, 2025
However, one of the introduced members has already sparked backlash over alleged cultural appropriation.
The lineup also includes a model named Lee Chaewon, known by his stage name Tarzzan, who once appeared in the video for NJZ’s (NewJeans) Supernatural.
Tarzzan is active on Instagram, where one particular image has stood out to netizens.
He has shared several photos of his modeling work, and many couldn’t help but notice that in many photos, he has braids in more than one style.
He also has braids in the newly released photo of the group.
Many have already called out the idol for alleged cultural appropriation, with some commenting they would have difficulty supporting the group despite their support of the other members.
so disappointing we could’ve had a perfect lineup with all adults but he’s here just to ruin the group i hope we can get @THEBLACKLABEL attention about our concerns#TARZZAN_OUT pic.twitter.com/GejcvE1Ekb
— magical girl amze ✷ˎ-ˊ (@chaeizm) June 8, 2025
TARZZAN (@tarzzan_boy) is a pick from the group i SEVERELY DISLIKE. His excessive use of Black aesthetics and the concept of durags and scalped-up braids cannot be ignored. @THEBLACKLABEL You all should have known better. https://t.co/TfEpEPI0gi pic.twitter.com/WwhyonrnW0
— qimme (kpop is NOT okay) (@qimmethatbeat) June 8, 2025
Very happy for Youngseo but like seriously what is going on with this dude like do they have no cultural sensitivity advisors at all at tbl #TARZZAN_OUT pic.twitter.com/3rYYpcF0Da
— ⚢ magical girl Jamie ྀི¹² 💙⚔️💜 saw ARTMS 1/5/25 (@runasspacebuns) June 8, 2025