This week saw cultural misunderstandings, poor planning, and an American talk show host embracing Korean culture.
Big Bang's Taeyang Apologizes For Racially Insensitive New Year Greeting
As people around the globe celebrated the Lunar New Year, Big Bang member Taeyang faced controversy over a post he made celebrating the event. While recording his greeting celebrating the Year of the Monkey, Taeyang used an application that transforms the user's face into that of a celebrity. Taeyang combined his features with those of Kanye West and relayed his new year greeting, seemingly unaware of the racist history of equating black people to monkeys.
After an outpouring of anger on his Instagram account, Taeyang removed the video clip. Shortly after, he apologized.
"I read all the comments and I am very sorry to anyone who had bad feelings about the last post which is now deleted," wrote Taeyang. "I didn't know some people would think that way but it is totally my fault and I take responsibility. I did not mean it that way and I hope you guys understand that. I'm sorry again and I will never make this kind of mistake again. I hope you guys will forgive me."
EXO's Kai Misses Out First Leg of North American Tour
Shortly before EXO was set to land in Texas for their first of five stop in North America this month, local event coordinators My Music Taste updated fans with the news that member Kai would be unable to attend the first show. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Kai's visa was not properly acquired and the Lunar New Year interfered with being able to speed the process along, as it is a national holiday in South Korea and government offices are closed. Fans were able to request full refunds from the concert providers due to the error.
Kai joined the rest of EXO in Vancouver ahead of their concert. He will continue on with the group to Los Angeles, Chicago, and the final stop in Newark.
Talk Show Host Conan O'Brien Responds To Fan's Love
A South Korean fan who sent O'Brien a box full of Korean snacks received the news of their life, when the American talk show host revealed that he was headed to South Korea to thank the fan in person and to explore the country for a few days. O'Brien reportedly is touring South Korea's countryside and exploring traditional culture, and also allegedly collaborating with South Korean entertainment agency JYP Entertainment.
The trip will be featured on O'Brien's TBS show "Conan."
Tamar Herman is a multi-media journalist and the co-founder of KultScene. She is a freelance writer and copy editor, and has written for MTV Iggy, Noisey and Paste Magazine.
