The incident occurred during a March 25 (local time) taping, where comedian Seth Herzog, who was warming up the audience, made a remark: “Is anyone here from the North? No?” Although the comment was reportedly part of an improvised segment asking about audience backgrounds, some attendees interpreted it as a racially insensitive joke directed at BTS, referencing North Korea.
As clips and accounts from the recording spread across social media, criticism quickly intensified, with many calling the remark inappropriate. According to reports from TMZ, Seth Herzog has since issued an apology to BTS regarding the incident.
NBC staff also acknowledged the issue internally and reportedly held discussions with the comedian about the controversy. However, the backlash did not stop there. Some netizens pointed to Herzog’s past social media activity, alleging that he had previously made disparaging remarks about Asians, further fueling demands for accountability.
The incident has reignited broader discussions about cultural awareness and racial sensitivity in Western media, particularly when global artists like BTS appear on major platforms. While the upcoming episode of The Tonight Show is expected to include both an interview and performance by BTS, the controversy has already overshadowed the anticipation surrounding their appearance.
As global exposure for K-pop continues to grow, moments like this highlight the ongoing need for greater cultural understanding in international entertainment spaces.
Sources: 네이트 뉴스