The controversy surrounding the newest idol survival program, 'Boys II Planet,' continues.
Even before the show aired, it was already embroiled in a string of controversies, from accusations of bullying and false background claims to vote manipulation after a contestant was mysteriously disqualified without explanation.
Now, a new trailer for Episode 2 has triggered outrage among international viewers who are accusing the show of xenophobia. In the trailer, one trainee is heard saying, "Even if you don't know Korean, shouldn't you at least pretend to listen?" The comment appeared to be directed toward a Chinese contestant during a group setting, and many interpreted the remark as discriminatory.
The backlash continued to grow as the trailer showed the Chinese trainee being harshly rebuked by the judges. Many international viewers took to social media to express their anger.
This controversy quickly gained the attention of Korean netizens who gathered in a popular online community to share their opinions. Many argued that the remark is not xenophobic and shared their arguments.
They commented:
"But doesn't the show have interpreters? They had earpieces last season, too."
"Wasn't the person who said that a Japanese trainee?"
"Yeah, the one who said it is Japanese."
"He's not criticizing them for not understanding. He's pointing out his attitude. How is that xenophobic?"
"Wow."
"Real xenophobia is not only when people try to 'localize' foreign members but force them to act overly Korean and have negative feelings towards a certain race."
"He's clearly talking about his attitude."
"He has a point, though. If a Korean person went abroad for a job interview and said, 'I don't understand anything,' they would be criticized the same way."
"Why is that xenophobic? Even if you don't understand, you should at least look like you're paying attention."
"It's kind of funny that a Japanese contestant is the one calling him out. That says a lot about how bad his attitude must've been."
"If a fellow foreign trainee said that, then that trainee's behavior must've been really bad."
"Regardless of language, isn't it basic manners to at least pretend you're listening?"
"People throw around the word xenophobia way too easily these days."
"If even a Japanese contestant was fed up, that Chinese trainee probably wasn’t even pretending to pay attention."
"I'm so tired of international K-pop fans."
"If you're not even going to pretend to listen, why join a Korean survival show? Maybe stop caring about being part of K-pop then."
"If you want to work in another country, this is common sense. Even if you don’t understand, pretending to listen shows respect."
"Seriously, international fans call everything xenophobic. It's exhausting."
What do you think about this? Let us know in the comments below!
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