‘Offensive’ K-drama slammed for mocking Indian and Arab cultures; uses bindi and caricature-like moves: ‘Disappointed’

i really don’t know what to say other than “wtf” as someone who is from the middle east. you seem to be inspired by aladdin, who is middle eastern/arab, so tell me why there are bindi’s, dances that mock indians and hula dancing in this video? it’s 2025 https://t.co/f1CWHmf9KG pic.twitter.com/DfAhbnTalH

— ★ (@solsticebin) August 20, 2025

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“Mixing up cultures and stereotyping the sh** out of it in year 2025 are we supposed to clap at this shit,” a person commented on the video. “Koreans started the year of 2025 with racism against black people now ending it with being racist towards middle east and indians,” another added, alluding to the past controversy. “i really don’t know what to say other than “wtf” as someone who is from the middle east. you seem to be inspired by aladdin, who is middle eastern/arab, so tell me why there are bindi’s, dances that mock indians and hula dancing in this video? it’s 2025,” a third wrote. 

Interestingly, the K-drama To The Moon is nowhere connected to Arab or Indian culture. The story is about a group of young people struggling with unstable jobs, trying to portray the harsh, over-competitive reality of South Korean culture. It features actors dealing with workplace stress, and growing debt, who are determined to change their fate and chase the quick money system. The show is scheduled to premiere on September 19, 2025. The whole storyline left the audience more confused about the intention of dragging other cultures in the show without a motive.

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This isn’t the first time a Korean drama or artist has been called out for cultural appropriation. From Norazo’s “Curry” track, where the duo was slammed for lyrics like “It’s yellow, spicy, and although does not smell nice, Taj Mahal!” and “Shanti shanti, yoga fire! I love hot curry!” to music videos mocking brownface, controversy isn’t new. There was also the incident with Lee Hyori, who used the sacred Gayatri Mantra in her song White Snake mixed with sensual choreography. Other examples include Because This Is My First Life and its caste system remark, High Kick 3: Revenge of the Short Legged with its caricatured performance, and more.