Dimas Ramadhiansyah

"Yes, I'm Nude”: Deconstructing Body Image Stereotypes in Nxde by (G)I-DLE

Introduction

"yes, i'm nude”: deconstructing body image stereotypes in nxde by (g)i-dle. Deconstructs body image stereotypes in (G)I-DLE's K-Pop song "Nxde." This study uses semiotic analysis to explore how "nude" signifies self-authenticity and empowers women.

Abstract

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.

Review

This study offers a timely and relevant analysis of (G)I-DLE’s “Nxde,” effectively positioning K-Pop as a significant platform for social commentary on complex issues such as body image and the objectification of women. The abstract clearly outlines the paper's objective: to investigate how the song deconstructs stereotypes by redefining "nude" as a symbol of self-authenticity. The application of Charles Morris's semiotic analysis to both lyrics and imagery provides a robust methodological framework, promising a detailed examination of the song's syntactic, semantic, and pragmatic layers. The core finding—that “Nxde” aims to empower women by reframing nudity away from purely sexualized norms—is a compelling contribution to understanding contemporary media's engagement with gender issues. However, the abstract also hints at crucial complexities that warrant deeper exploration within the full paper. While it commendably acknowledges "potential contradictions between feminist messages that may still conform to patriarchal standards" and the song's dual role as both progressive commentary and a "potential reinforcer of traditional beauty norms," the abstract leaves the reader wanting more detail on *how* these contradictions are unpacked. Specifically, an in-depth discussion on the mechanisms through which the provocative imagery might paradoxically reinforce norms, despite its intended message of empowerment, would significantly strengthen the analysis. The study's ability to critically engage with these tensions, rather than merely stating their existence, will be key to its impact. Overall, this research promises to be a valuable contribution to K-Pop studies, media studies, and gender theory. It successfully highlights K-Pop's evolving role beyond entertainment, demonstrating its capacity to stimulate important discourse on societal issues. The call for further research into media’s influence on gender perceptions, particularly regarding the complexities of using provocative imagery for empowerment, is a thoughtful conclusion that points to broader implications. This paper serves as an excellent starting point for understanding how popular culture artifacts like "Nxde" navigate the challenging terrain between challenging and inadvertently upholding societal expectations of women.

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