The evolution of the Korean music industry, or K-Pop, has now become a global phenomenon. K-Pop hastranscended boundaries, not only as a genre of music but also as a medium capable of conveying messages andcritiques on societal issues. (G)I-DLE’s 2022 song “Nxde” stands out in this regard, addressing body image andchallenging stereotypes related to women’s representation. This study investigates how “Nxde” deconstructs bodyimage stereotypes and critiques the objectification of women within K-Pop and broader media cultures. UsingCharles Morris's semiotic analysis, this research examines syntactic, semantic, and pragmatic aspects of the song'slyrics and imagery, positioning "nude" as a symbol of self-authenticity that opposes superficial standards oftenimposed on female idols. Findings indicate that “Nxde” aims to empower women by redefining nudity as anexpression of authenticity. As seen in society, the meaning of nudity is often only considered as sexualized andinappropriate norms. While this also raises questions about the potential contradictions between feminist messagesthat may still conform to patriarchal standards. In conclusion, “Nxde” exemplifies K-Pop's dual role as both aplatform for progressive social commentary and a potential reinforcer of traditional beauty norms. The studysuggests that songs like “Nxde” can stimulate discourse on body image and foster more nuanced representations ofwomen. However, the findings also underscore the complexities of using provocative imagery to convey messagesof empowerment, highlighting the need for further research into media’s influence on gender perceptions.
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