Okay Kpop music lovers and SEVENTEEN stans, brace yourselves! While our SEVENTEEN guys are currently thriving with their most recent EP “SEVENTEENTH HEAVEN,” and the mega bop “God of Music,” it looks like things aren’t looking so colorful up there in mother Russia. Recently, media reports have confirmed that the music video for “God of Music” has been censored to comply with the anti-LGBTI laws in the country.
Yes, you read that right! It looks like music channel TNT Music decided to be protective of themselves with that decision. Why, you might ask? Well, the channel has a show dedicated to airing Kpop music, and it has already faced different fines for not working with the laws against LGBTI people in Russia. Due to this, TNT was forced to alter SEVENTEEN’s original video, so that it could be displayed on TV.
But, wait, what’s that LGBTI thing the video has? Apparently, all the blame goes to the colorful concept SEVENTEEN has been rocking with. The music channel changed the shiny rainbow in the video to a gray sky with lifeless clouds. Catch the censored picture here:
After seeing the rainbow being removed, SEVENTEEN stans (also known as Carat) quickly pointed out that rainbows aren’t necessarily related to being LGBTI. Similarly, others disagreed with the decision and criticized Russia’s anti-LGBTI laws. Finally, some even stated they shouldn’t air Kpop in Russia, considering many idols wear make-up and clothes that are considered feminine.
This rainbow removal comes after Russian president, Vladimir Putin, decided to extend a ban to make “non-traditional” (so, heterosexual) relationships and lifestyles banned in Russia. This law prohibits anything that’s related to LGBTI people in the country for both minors and adults.