BTS reportedly received racist remarks, such as being compared to COVID-19, from a German radio broadcaster, Bayern 3's Matthias Matuschik. In response, the latter released his official stand over the issue - only to anger more fans.
On Feb. 26, a German radio broadcaster from Bayern 3, named Matthias Matuschik, and his side released their official apology for the racist remarks thrown at the K-pop group BTS.
Bayern 3 bowed its head in an official stance on the controversy over racial discrimination on the 26th.
ALSO READ: BTS Proves Massive Influence after 'Fix You' Cover on 'MTV Unplugged' + Group Boosts Stream Counts on Spotify
According to Matthias' side, "This is a personal opinion of the host. It is the nature of this program to express one's opinions openly without embellishment. We are sure he didn't mean it that way."
However, they added, "He made the comments ironically and exaggeratedly, breaking the hearts of ARMYs, BTS fans. The fact that many people have been hurt does not change. We apologize for the incident."
Bayern 3's Matuschik Compared BTS to COVID-19, Made Insensitive Joke He will Send the Group to North Korea for a Vacation
During a broadcast, Bayern 3 host Matthias Matuschik aired anger over BTS for covering of Coldplay's "Fix You," which they performed on "MTV Unplugged" stage in the U.S.
The host, who is currently under fire, said, "For this cover, they deserve a vacation in North Korea for the next 20 years."
What is more shocking is that in a video shared by BTS fans, Matuschik was also heard saying, "BTS is an abbreviation for the coronavirus (COVID-19), and I hope there will be a vaccine against them soon," instantly earning the ire of fans.
Despite foul criticisms, he stressed that he was neither xenophobic nor racist and went on with the radio show.
Angered BTS Fans Swarmed on Twitter
After the broadcast, BTS's fandom, ARMY, protested on various social media platforms, particularly on Twitter. They pointed out their issue with the broadcast through the hashtags #RassismusBeiBayern3 and Bayern3Racist. The DJ was also called for clarification and apology, referring to the terms "Wir sind gegen Rassismus," which means against racism.
Though the radio broadcast already conveyed its official statement, fans netizens are criticizing Matuschik for thinking that having a personal opinion doesn't correspond to being sensitive being respectful.
On the same day, Columbia Records published a photo containing the message, "Columbia Records stands with the Asian Community and condemns all forms of racism and xenophobia. We must all strive together to strive for racial justice."
— Columbia Records (@ColumbiaRecords) February 26, 2021
Meanwhile, BTS met fans all over the world through "MTV Unplugged Presents: BTS," which aired on Feb. 24. The septet delivered five songs in different colors to give viewers across the globe a rich performance - and soon enough, there were named a legendary guest of "MTV Unplugged."
ALSO READ: BTS Earns New Titles as 'Dynamite' and 'Map of the Soul: 7' Continue to Rank on Billboard Charts
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Written by Eunice Dawson
