She was also spotted wearing an underboob top – a recreation of crop tops from Y2K fashion days – with a low-rise skirt at the Jacquemus fashion show, bringing the retro style over to Korean fans.

Although many Gen Zs have jumped onto the trend, it’s not sat well with everyone in the “Generation MZ” crowd, a term that counts millennials and Gen Zs as one group. South Korea also has distinct differences in taste from other consumer markets.

So, why is the Y2K trend so controversial among the young “Generation MZ” crowd of South Korea?

Meet Cha Eun-woo, the Astro and True Beauty star about to conquer Hollywood

What is “Generation MZ”?

So, what do we know about Generation MZ? Since it pairs millennials and Gen Zs, it means the age range is bigger, spanning from teens all the way to adults in their early 40s. Considering the age gap, it may seem unrealistic to group the two generations together, but they are similar in terms of being extremely sensitive to the latest trends and confident in seeking their personal preferences.

Lee Hae-young, 23 (under a pseudonym) and a Gen MZer, told Newsian, “I think the underboob is too revealing. I think it’s important to dress according to the time and place.”

But if Gen MZ doesn’t like it, why is it trending?

And not all Gen MZs are dismayed by the Y2K trend worn by South Korea’s finest.

7 K-drama stars who recently became mums, from Kang So-ra to Sung Yuri

Some say it’s “fresh and trendy” and “free and sophisticated”, per E-Today Korea. Yang Mo, 20, a university student, said, “It’s not wrong to boldly expose a part of your body as a kind of unique fashion.”

Cheon Eun-seo, 23 (also going under a pseudonym) said to Newsian, “I am positive about fashion trends these days.”

Y2K aesthetics definitely play a big part in South Korean celebrity fashion, but the styles are rarely worn by the general public.

But it’s controversial too …

Y2K style, in general, is largely debated by the general public. Sulli, a K-pop idol loved for her outspoken persona, was subjected to cyberbullying and tragically took her own life in 2019. One of the bullying incidents included the public criticising her “No Bra” movement in support women’s freedom and health, per Soompi. She once went braless at the airport for “No Bra Day” to show support for breast cancer patients, but was scrutinised for it again, per K-pop Starz.

The public has also questioned whether revealing outfits are truly a representation of positive body image or a mere sexualisation of women, according to various sources.