It is well-perceived that Kpop artists and the media have a close relationship with each
other because these 2 groups rely on each other to make money.
Nevertheless, there existed many cases when idols were mistreated by the reporters and
journalists, and God knows the reason behind that.
Now let’s jump right into the video to see what these idols had to endure:
BTS members being discriminated against by journalists
In order to attend the eminent 64th Grammy Awards and prepare for their next concert
in the USA, BTS members arrived at the Incheon International Airport on March 28th, 2022
and stunned their fans with irresistible aura and stylish outfits.
Reporters also flocked to the airport and even held a livestream on their official YouTube
channel.
Nevertheless, one particular moment of the livestream gave rise to great controversy
among BTS supporters.
What caught fans’ attention was a conversation between two K-Media reporters.
Amid the livestream, one female journalist was heard saying: “Not all members are coming”
and another journalist replied: “Yes, five people.
Out of those, you don’t really have to focus on RM and Suga, just concentrate on the other
three” (indicating Jin, Jimin and V who are believed to be more popular).
Their sayings fueled great anger among BTS fans as these top Kpop idols are being discriminated
against right in their homeland, albeit with all their contribution to the nation.
They promptly shared this video on other social media platforms and showed their rage at the
unprofessionalism of these reporters.
Some fans were even more disappointed that this disrespect came from Korean reporters.
As the video will be broadcast live and not only people in Korea but also the whole world
can see and hear that, the image of BTS in international audiences’ eyes could be downgraded
because people may think that BTS is not even respected in their homeland.
Many people believe that it is excessive and unfair to discriminate against them in this
way because in fact, RM and Suga are the main producers of the majority of BTS’s greatest
hits such as “Dope”, “Blood, Sweat & Tears”, “Spring day”, etc. and this duo clearly
made a great contribution to the success of the whole group.
2.
Jennie being hunted by the press
Despite being one of the most influential female idols in the Kpop industry, Jennie
still can't escape being disrespected and treated like an object by reporters.
Specifically, when appearing at the airport after finishing her schedule in Los Angeles
and returning to Korea, Jennie immediately got brutally hunted.
As soon as she showed up, tons of cameras pointed at her at a very close distance, leaving
her with no choice left but to impotently cover her face with her hoodie while trying
to get out of the crowd.
Jennie was even seen fearfully clinging to a staff member’s bag to not be dragged away.
The disrespectful behavior of the reporters toward Jennie had been strongly criticized
by Blinks and netizens.
They don’t even understand why a top star like Jennie couldn’t walk freely and proudly
at the airport but was pushed and pulled to the point that she looks like a criminal being
escorted to the trial room, and that was heartbreaking to see.
In fact, it is not rare to catch a glimpse of Kpop idols being surrounded by a heap of
paparazzi and reporters.
But everything has its limits, eventhough these reporters have the right to capture
celebrities’ images, they don't have the right to treat others like a lifeless doll.
Nevertheless, Jennie’s case can be considered a severe privacy invasion and personal attack.
3.
American reporter looking down on NCT127
Recently, newscaster Sam Rubin has issued an apology for starting an online controversy
by praising NCT127’s Johnny’s English skills on the show “KTLA 5 Morning News”.
Specifically, during the show, Rubin commented on the English skills of Johnny, saying that
he spoke “phenomenal” English.
However, Kpop fans all know that Johnny was born and raised in the States, therefore,
it seems explicable why his English sounds like a native.
It appears to netizens that Rubin was underestimating the foreign language ability of the whole
group and his tone sounded rather sarcastic.
After the controversy went wild on the Internet, Rubin issued his statement of apology, claiming
that ahead of the show, NCT127’s management team requested to see the questions because
the group did not speak good English.
That’s why he thought their foreign language ability was limited.
Rubin also admitted to not doing additional research and promised not to make this mistake
the next time.
However, things did not stop there.
After that, Rubin again received another wave of fierce criticism for asking the group members
their thoughts on fellow group BTS and their success in the U.S.
Netizens were outraged at this statement, saying that it was rude of him to make such
unnecessary comparisons and to make the members of NCT127 feel awkward.
Many netizens said that Rubin was disrespectful to both NCT127 and BTS because they are completely
2 different groups with completely different concepts, so it’s literally absurd to compare
them that way.
Others also angrily questioned how many times they have to tell these reporters to stop
mentioning BTS in front of other acts and how they had had enough of this thing.
Upon the controversy, Rubin apologized for his inconsiderate saying in his official statement:
“The idea of suggesting that NCT127 may have similar if not greater success than BTS
is not meant to insult NCT127, but rather to praise them”, he said, “I do not believe
they were at all hurt or insulted by the mention of BTS.
I know they are different groups with their own sound and personality, but they also fall
under the umbrella term of K-POP, which is widely used here in America.”
However, Rubin's apology is said to be insincere because many people noticed that he even defended
himself in that apology and assumed that NCT127 did not feel hurt at all.
4.
K-Media reporters asking Red Velvet members to take off their masks
At the Gaon Chart Music Award 2022, Red Velvet showed up in beautiful white dresses, capturing
the attention of both fans and reporters.
However, due to the seriousness of the Covid-19 pandemic in Korea, the girls gave signals
to the reporters that they wouldn’t take off their masks for photos.
Although Red Velvet were responsible and serious about wearing masks to protect themselves
and everybody, many journalists still insisted on telling them to do the opposite for captivating
images.
Some rude reporters even shouted at the members’ faces, pushing them to eventually give up
and take off their masks.
Red Velvet’s members later received praise from netizens as they crossed their arms to
politely ask reporters to stop asking them to remove their masks, showing their professionalism
and high awareness.
On the contrary, Redveluvs were outrageous for the reporters’ unreasonable demand and
rude attitude to the girls, saying that they not only disrespected the group but also didn’t
take the Covid-19 restriction and health safety of people seriously.
So, which case do you think is the most serious?
Do any of you think these incidents are really no big deal and netizens were just exaggerating
them?