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On January 26, DJ Enrique Santos held an interview with the Latin boy group CNCO for his radio show.
The problem arose when DJ Santos congratulated CNCO on their nominations for the upcoming 'iHeartRadio Awards'. Enrique Santos asked the group members what they thought of "the Koreans" -- referring to BTS -- and began to sarcastically deride BTS's lyrics and taunt the group as "the Korean version of CNCO."
The mockery did not end here. DJ Enrique Santos pushed the boy band into singing "Korean versions" of their own songs like "Súbeme La Radio" and "Mamita." Not only Santos, but the other DJ of the radio also jumped in to join the conversation. CNCO responded to the DJs and sang their song "Mamita" by offensively mimicking the Korean language with gibberish.
The full translation of the conversation reads as follows:
MC Enrique Santos: "[You're nominated] for best boy band and best remix!"
CNCO: "Thank you!"
MC Enrique Santos: "Have you seen the Koreans? They're like the Korean version of CNCO."
CNCO: (hesitates, laughs nervously) "We like what they do."
MC Enrique Santos: (sarcastically) "And the lyrics are beautiful, right?"
*everyone laughs*
MC Enrique Santos: "How would your song 'Súbeme la Radio' sound in Korean?"
MC #2: "No, their song 'Mamita.'"
MC Enrique Santos: "Or 'Mamita,' 'Mamita' in Korean!"
CNCO: (offensively mimicking the Korean language to the rhythm of their song)
MC: "'Mamita' in Korean?"
CNCO: (mimics once again)
*everyone laughs*
Among netizens, claims from native Spanish speakers have also confirmed that this portion of the radio show was problematic. The DJ had sparked the issue, but both the DJs and the boys of CNCO eventually made offensive comments.
Netizens on social media are expressing disappointment toward the DJ, as well toward CNCO. This issue is causing a stir, especially because BTS and CNCO are running up against each other to win the Best Boy Band category at the 'iHeartRadio Awards'.
Here are some Twitter messages of fans who are bringing the issue under light, below. What do you think of this issue?
Now in regards to my personal imput on this. There are various things that bothered me here.
— Amanda (@hobyblo) January 26, 2018
Firstly, both the MC and CNCO are at fault here. CNCO was doing well up until the point where they started to mimic korean. As a latina, I must admit that it's not uncommon for latinx +
to mimic asian languages, but that in no way excuses it or makes it right.
— Amanda (@hobyblo) January 26, 2018
Second, I'm frankly tired of BTS being called the "Korean Version" of a western group. This completely disregards their artistic individuality, which BTS has earned. +
The MC doesn't even know Cnco songs cause Subeme la Radio is from Enrique Iglesias. So he's pretty much just sucking up to them by trying to belittle BTS without knowing much about Cnco. How ridiculous.
— Hajimemashite (@ytmejias) January 27, 2018
