TARZZAN’S CLEAN KOREA COVER DROPS AS CNN FACES SAGGING‑PANTS FALLOUT

By Rob Redding

Editor & Publisher

NEW YORK, April 11, 2026, 12 p.m.— In other media news, Harpers Bazaar Korea this week has unveiled a clean cut cover of 23-year-old K‑pop performer Tarzzan at the same time CNN is still facing backlash for using footage of the singer sagging his pants in a promotional spot tied to its coverage of a separate controversy.

The magazine’s new issue features Tarzzan, whose real name is Lee Chae‑won, with his hair slicked back, his hands placed behind his head in a stylized pose, and his pants pulled up neatly and secured with a tie. The polished portrait stands in sharp contrast to the imagery that has fueled debate in the United States.

Tarzzan has been under scrutiny since he appeared to use the N‑word during a rap performance that differed from the original lyrics, a moment that spread quickly online and triggered widespread criticism. The incident reignited discussion about his public image, which often includes cornrows, grills and low slung pants that have drawn both fan praise and cultural criticism.

CNN’s decision to feature a clip of Tarzzan with his pants hanging low in a promo only intensified the reaction. Media critics questioned why the network selected a provocative moment when a range of neutral or performance based images were available. CNN has now removed the image from its promo, after our exclusive report.

Harpers Bazaar Korea’s clean, editorial presentation of the singer has been praised by fashion outlets for highlighting his stage presence and versatility. The split between the two portrayals has become part of a broader conversation about how Western and Korean media frame the same artist in sharply different ways, especially when the artist’s own actions and presentation have already sparked public debate3