Monday, December 3, 2018 
SM Entertainment issued an apology regarding the use of haka in NCT 127's "Simon Says" MV.
[SEEALSO]https://www.allkpop.com/article/2018/11/debate-rises-regarding-the-appropriate-use-of-indigenous-mori-prayer-in-nct-127s-simon-says[/SEEALSO]
According to Stuff on December 3, SM Entertainment sent an e-mail apology to Karlite Rangihau, a New Zealand researcher from Victoria University, for the use of traditional M?ori haka prayer in NCT 127's latest MV.
[SEEALSO]https://www.allkpop.com/article/2018/11/debate-rises-regarding-the-appropriate-use-of-indigenous-mori-prayer-in-nct-127s-simon-says[/SEEALSO]
The email explained that SM used haka in the MV because of its "uplifting words" and said, "We apologize if any offense was taken regardless of our intentions. We really understand and appreciate your concern and opinion."
NCT 127 was accused of cultural appropriation for using haka in the "Simon Says" MV. The researcher from Victoria University expressed concerns and stated, [The particular M?ori karakia words used] are very empowering and affirmative, respectful words, so if this song is not carrying on that spirit... then they have used it inappropriately."
1
technically the haka is war motto/cry you say to your opponent RESPECTFULLY. IF NCTs song matched the context (which it didnt) then it would be cultural APPRECIATION but it wasnt.
2
Isn't the part of the karakia that they sampled talking about affirming a coming together / strength in unity? Given that the subject of the song is relating to them being together in opposing a repressive system, it doesn't seem to be an entirely mismatched theme to me, but rather that they're using it as a reference much as one might use evocative imagery