EXID Comeback: K-Pop Group Criticized For Numerous Sexual References In ‘L.I.E.’ Music Video

Last month, it was reported that EXID would be making their comeback to K-pop very soon. Unlike their previous comebacks, this one was special for the group because they would finally bring fans their very first studio album, titled Street . Before, they only brought extended plays (EPs) known as “mini-albums” in South Korea, or their comebacks were non-album, such as “Hot Pink.”

To help build hype for Street , EXID released numerous teasers for it prior to release on June 1. This included two individual teasers featuring Solji (attached below) and Hyerin as well as a group teaser (featured image). They also treated the most-devoted fans who identify themselves as LEGO (official fan name of EXID) to a special pre-screening of the title song , “L.I.E.,” as reported by Top Star News .

EXID, Banana Republic — Solji, the leader of EXID, was one of the first members of the group to be teased for their upcoming K-pop comeback studio album, “Street.” [Image via Banana Republic/EXID Promotions for “Street”]

The music video for “L.I.E.” released publicly on EXID’s official YouTube channelone day before the official release of Street. From the very beginning, viewers can see EXID is continuing their “sexy concept,” despite them saying they are going a different direction from “Up and Down,” “Ah Yeah,” and “Hot Pink.” This time, the song’s music video’s theme is a couple possibly indulging in a singular carnal night in a hotel. That theme alone would be too obvious for the sexy concept, but there are numerous sexual innuendos scattered throughout the video, too, a fact that has caused numerous netizens to criticize EXID.

By now, the music video for “L.I.E.” has been thoroughly analyzed and viewed by both Korean and international K-pop netizens over the course of 48 hours. This is definitely proven as “L.I.E.” has already been viewed almost two million times. According to AllKpop , some of those netizens have targeted the numerous sexual references found in the music video . The first is the constant reference to the 69 sex position, in which both partners perform simultaneous oral sex on each other.

The time on this watch reads "6:09." Though it does not directly read "69," the numbers used to make it up are still present. [Image via Screen Capture of EXID's Music Video for "L.I.E."] — The time on this watch reads “6:09.” Though it does not directly read “69,” the numbers used to make it up are still present. [Image via Screen Capture of EXID’s Music Video for “ L.I.E. “]

The scene in which one of the members of EXID is holding a key with the room number "690." Once again, not a direct use of "69," but both numbers for it are prevalent. [Image via Screen Capture of EXID's Music Video for "L.I.E."] — The scene in which Hani of EXID is holding a key with the room number “690.” Once again, not a direct use of “69,” but both numbers for it are prevalent. [Image via Screen Capture of EXID’s Music Video for “ L.I.E. “]

The position of the shadow across one of the member's body while she lies on the floor references the "69" sex position. [Image via Screen Capture of EXID's Music Video for "L.I.E."] — The position of the shadow across the body of Solji while she lies on the floor references the “69” sex position. [Image via Screen Capture of EXID’s Music Video for “ L.I.E. “]

Second, basic items in the music video reference specific female body parts, specifically the ones often highlighted when it comes to a woman’s sexuality. This includes their breasts and butts.

The two pink desk bells in this scene look very similar to a pair of breasts. [Image via Screen Capture of EXID's Music Video for "L.I.E."] — The two pink desk bells in this scene look very similar to a pair of breasts. [Image via Screen Capture of EXID’s Music Video for “ L.I.E. “]

The peach in this scene is specifically placed to imitate the bare butt of one of the members of EXID. [Image via Screen Capture of EXID's Music Video for "L.I.E."] — The peach in this scene is specifically placed to imitate the bare butt of one of the members of EXID. [Image via Screen Capture of EXID’s Music Video for “ L.I.E. “]

Finally, there is a part in the music video in which Hani is preparing a steak. There are numerous references to male masturbation, such as a hammer tenderizing the steak in reference to “beating one’s meat,” and Hani shaking a salt shaker in a very peculiar way while her face expresses some sort of bliss.

During the scenes in which Hani is preparing a steak, there are numerous references to male masturbation. [Image via Screen Capture of EXID's Music Video for "L.I.E."] — During the scenes in which Hani is preparing a steak, there are numerous references to male masturbation. [Image via Screen Capture of EXID’s Music Video for “ L.I.E. “]

Ultimately, all the sexual references are helping boost EXID’s popularity. Any chatter about them and their latest music video will surely help their comeback. This, in turn, will help drive sales of their very first studio album, Street. It is also possible EXID wanted to push boundaries even more, as other K-pop girl groups are starting to be far more recognized for the “sexy concept.” Stellar, for example, has been pushing such to the point they are probably known for said concept more than any other group presently.

[Image via Banana Republic/EXID Promotions for Street ]