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Channel Nine slammed for 'racist' segment about Korean boyband BTS
Channel Nine has issued an apology after a ‘racist’ 20 To One segment featuring Korean boyband BTS aired on Wednesday night.
The segment presented by Erin Molan and Nick Cody referred to BTS as “the biggest band you’ve never heard of”, despite the band actually being one of the most popular, chart-topping pop phenomenons in recent times.
Footage of the band was splashed across the screen while the hosts said, “only one band member actually speaks English”.
Then an interview of comedian Jimmy Carr popped up, in which he said: “When I first heard something Korean had exploded in America, I got worried.
“So it could have been worse. But not much worse.”
It didn’t take long for fans of BTS to get the hashtag #Channel9Apologise trending, and the band even issued their own statement.
“Dear @20toOne. Tonight on your program you featured the Korean boy band, @BTS_twt, in your countdown,” the statement began.
“Many Australian ARMY anticipated it at first, only to be extremely disappointed by your report. You described us as crazy fans, purposely chose clips of BTS voices cracking..”
They added: “#Channel9Apologize is now trending #1 in Australia due to racist remarks made by @20toOne broadcasted on @Channel9.
“It's time Australian media learnt that their racism and xenophobia isn't acceptable.”
Dear @20toOne.
Tonight on your program you featured the Korean boy band, @BTS_twt, in your countdown. Many Australian ARMY anticipated it at first, only to be extremely disappointed by your report. You described us as crazy fans, purposely chose clips of BTS voices cracking, +— AUSTRALIA BTS (@australiabts) June 19, 2019
Some more things I have been notified about is that the boys were also referred to as GAY and that they reported the United Nations speech was about hair products... I have never been more disgusted. @20toOne this is unacceptable.
— AUSTRALIA BTS (@australiabts) June 19, 2019
On Thursday morning Channel Nine finally apologised.
“As a light-hearted entertainment program, it is our belief that last night’s episode of 20 to One, which highlighted the ‘Greatest Global Crazes’, did not breach any broadcast regulations, and was intended to humorously highlight the popularity of the group,” a Nine spokesperson told SBS.
“We apologise to any who may have been offended by last night’s episode.”
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