Many K-pop fans may remember Meng Jia (孟佳), or simply Jia (지아), from the K-pop girl group Miss A (미쓰에이). Since her contract ended in 2016, the singer-rapper has been focusing on her solo career in China.
The 32-year-old beauty debuted her new single, “Glass Wall” yesterday (Thursday, 28th January). However, it was the cover art that overshadowed the song with Meng Jia posing naked against an empty background.
The starlet can be seen covering her breasts with her hands. In addressing the controversy, Meng Jia said, “A lot of people say I’m trying too hard by going topless! But when I wrote this song, I couldn’t think of any outfit or style to express it. I am not ashamed to show off my figure in a tasteful manner. I am happy with the result.”
However, her “artistic” approach was questioned when netizens brought up the fact that this same look was taken by Italian model Sasha Barss (the Instagram post was dated 28th October 2019). When it was brought to Sasha’s attention, she explained that neither she nor her modelling agency gave permission to use this concept.
Meng Jia’s studio later released an apology to the fans and parties involved. The management clarified that when their artist told them about her creative concept for the cover art, they scouted through countless photos for reference – including Sasha’s photoshoot.
The studio also added that Meng Jia was not aware of the original photo of Sasha, but only was consulted about the art direction. Since the controversy made headlines, the photos have since been removed from Meng Jia’s account. The pop star also apologised to the public, saying, “Sorry, regretful, learned a lesson. I am sorry“.
Sasha also confirmed on her Instagram Story that Meng Jia had personally reached out to her to apologise for their error.
Source: 38JieJie.
