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Why This Viral Cheerleader Outfit is Sparking a Cultural Debate

Daniel Kim Views  

Translation result 치어리더 [Herald Economy=Choi Won-hyuk] Cheerleader star Lee Da-hye, who performs in Taiwan’s professional baseball league, has drawn criticism over a performance outfit that some say damaged the image of a local school.

On the 28th, according to local outlets including ETtoday, Lee performed at halftime on the 26th at Taipei Dome wearing an outfit styled after the uniform of a prestigious girls’ high school in Taipei.

After the performance, some alumni and online commenters expressed discomfort.

In particular, performing artist Wei Wanlong, a graduate of that school, wrote on social media that “the dance itself was polished and she commanded the stage,” but argued that “a school uniform is not merely a costume; it symbolizes a particular school culture.”

He urged performers to consider how using that imagery affects people who identify with that culture, writing, “My culture should not become your performance prop.”

Wei also criticized the repeated commercial use of the girls’ high school–uniform concept.

He asked, “If this is just a simple performance, why aren’t prestigious boys’ school uniforms used?” and warned that audiences should reflect on the specific gaze and consumption directed at images of schoolgirls.

Local media say Lee responded by explaining that the stage concept was intended to convey youth and vitality in keeping with Taipei’s urban theme. She added that she had no intention of consuming, mocking, or offending any particular school culture, thanked those who voiced concerns, and said she would strive to deliver better performances and memories in the future.

Reactions online ranged from “It’s inappropriate to commercialize this image in a paid performance” and “We need to rethink uniform culture and the consumption of female imagery,” to “It was just a costume” and “If there was no intent to denigrate a specific school, the criticism is exaggerated.”

Lee began her career as a cheerleader with the KIA Tigers in the KBO and in 2023 became the first Korean cheerleader to appear in Taiwan’s professional baseball league. She now performs with the Wei Chuan Dragons and has gained considerable local popularity, including work as an advertising model.

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