In the past few weeks, tensions between India and Pakistan have reached an all-time high. It began with the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives. India responded with Operation Sindoor, a military strike targeting terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir—marking a significant escalation in Indo-Pak hostilities.
A majority of Indian celebrities stood firmly with the Indian Armed Forces, and Indian BTS and BLACKPINK fans also joined the movement, actively countering anti-India narratives online. Notably, two Indian K-pop idols—Aria from X:IN and Sriya Lenka from BLACKSWAN—openly expressed their support.
However, KATSEYE member Lara Raj has stirred controversy among Indian K-pop fans. The vocalist of the HYBE girl group has Tamil roots and was born and raised in Los Angeles. Known for embracing her heritage, she has often shared pictures on Instagram wearing bindis, an Om pendant, and even sarees—openly celebrating her Indian identity.
Despite this, fans were upset that she remained silent about the Indian Armed Forces’ response to the crisis.
What infuriated fans further was that Lara only posted about the Pahalgam attack 20 days after it occurred—and only after Indian K-pop fans began questioning her silence on Instagram.
Fans argued that despite proudly displaying her Indian heritage, Lara failed to acknowledge the sacrifices of Indian soldiers. Defenders noted that although she is of Indian descent, she holds American nationality.
However, Indian K-pop fans pointed out that nationality is irrelevant, as Lara has previously spoken out on global issues like the Gaza crisis and LGBTQ+ rights—suggesting she is not restricted by her label. Many netizens also criticized the pattern of NRIs using Indian culture and aesthetics for visibility, while remaining silent during politically sensitive times.
Several fans said Lara was using her Indian identity to get attention, and called her silence fake or insincere.?One said, "Imagine making India your whole aesthetic but not speaking up for your own country. It's giving privileged and shameful."
Another asked, "Can anyone who has Lara's Weverse DMs ask her to speak up and spread awareness about the India-Pak war? We need the support and exposure right now :/."
A user wrote, "Indians should boycott Lara. She’s the only Indian K-pop idol who hasn’t posted anything about this, yet she spoke about Palestine and LGBTQ rights because she’s bi."
Another added, "Non-Indian KATSEYE stans will act like Lara did something huge by posting that story, but if she flaunts Indian culture when it benefits her, then that story is the bare minimum—and it’s late."
One stated, "Even if Lara from KATSEYE is an NRI, it doesn’t change the fact that she’s Indian and has used Indian aesthetics for hype. If she’s so proud, why not speak up when it matters? Next time she does it for hype, she’s getting cancelled."
With KATSEYE being promoted as a global pop act rather than a traditional K-pop group, fans believe its members have more freedom to express personal views. This India–Pakistan crisis has once again shown how vocal and discerning Indian social media can be—especially when cultural identity is perceived as performative.?