Rookie K-pop girl group Pritz, whose name stands for "Pretty Rangers in Terrible Zone," have been receiving backlash after they recently released their MV, "Sora Sora," where they wore armbands with striking similarity to the Nazi Swastika as well as the symbol of Hungary's Arrow Cross Party.
In the music video released on November 17, the girls are wearing red armbands that bear a white circle and a black cross with arrowheads, allkpop reports. They were quick to associate it with the two symbols that carry racy connotations and are seen as offensive to other races.
However, this was not the first time the new group was seen wearing the armbands. On November 2, Pritz had an outdoor performance which caught the attention of observers with some pointing out that the armbands indeed looked like the Nazi symbol.
According to Hello K-pop, in the group's performance, the four members wore all black collared shirts aside from their controversial red armbands. The attire looks similar to uniforms worn by members of the German Nazi party during World War II.
A representative from Pritz's agency Pandagram said earlier that the company would consider changing the logo in "Sora Sora" MV.
Later on, the same rep told Maeil Business Newspaper, "We did not modify Pritz's MV and released it. We were instructed that there was no need for modifications."
According to the Daily Mail, the images of the idol group's armbands spread online, catching the attention of the international community. Some believe it was a failed PR tactic.
Pandagram has already addressed the issue saying the armbands were not inspired by the Swastika. According to the agency, it was based on the Korean speed limit sign, which bears white circle with a red band wrapped around it.
However, this was denied the rep, "It seems that the head of the company was shocked by the sudden controversy that he provided the traffic sign explanation in his state of confusion," he said explaining that the controversial armbands are not at all meant to resemble the speed limit signs.
"Although domestic and international netizens are still debating the issue, there is no official, formal change. The company will explain the issue soon."
"Their concept was originally planned as one where they wear armbands and go on stage." He went on saying that the agency was confused saying, "Because we have no detailed policy, we are acting cautiously."
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