Yuya Tegoshi, a member of the Japanese boy band NEWS, made fans raise their eyebrows after claiming that BTS and TWICE's popularity is due to the Korean government. His photo essay also attracted attention after mentioning the groups, disparaging K-pop for having foreign members and being able to speak multiple languages.

On October 7, the media outlet Insight posted an article about Yuya Tegoshi's emergency press conference on the 5th, where he also talked about his photo essay, "AVALANCHE."

On various Korean online communities, K-pop enthusiasts expressed their anger and negative feedback after the controversial remark of the Japanese idol to BTS and TWICE.

Yuya Tegoshi Claims Popularity of BTS and TWICE is Thanks to Korea's 'National Policy'

In particular, Yuya is a member of the boy band NEWS launched under Johnny & Associates, one of the largest agencies in Japan.

Last year, he released his photo essay, "AVALANCHE," mentioning Korean groups BTS and TWICE.

Yuya Tegoshi expressed his thoughts about the Hallyu wave around the world, saying, "Now K-pop, not the music of Johnny's office, dominates the world wherever we go overseas."

He then claimed that "Korea has supported cultural and artistic activities as a national policy and attempted to enter the world with a terrifying momentum."

Yuya then continued by citing how the world-renowned group BTS, thanks to this "policy" rose even on the U.S. Billboard Chart and were able to attend Grammy, one of the most prestigious awards ceremonies in the world.

ALSO READ: BTS "Paved The Way:" Koreans Laugh at International Fandoms Who Aren't Acknowledging it

Japanese Idol Yuya 'Mocks' BTS and TWICE for Having Foreign Members and Being Able to Speak Multiple Languages

Regarding TWICE, Tegoshi commented, "The group has formed Koreans with Taiwanese and Japanese members so that they can perform live anywhere in the world in English, Korean, Japanese, and Chinese."

With this, he implied that if he will study the language English hard like BTS and try to scout foreign members such TWICE with Japanese and Taiwanese members as well, then his group and agency will become Asia's No. 1.

He added, "If I've spoken English, I will probably enter Billboard chart in the United States as well."

Domestic fans are angry at Tegoshi's remarks that K-POP idols have succeeded in entering the world thanks to South Korea's "national policy."

As a result, K-Netz and K-pop fans on the 7th expressed their anger towards the Japanese idol's remark, for trying to imply that what idols achieved through personal efforts is only successful because the country pushed them.

What do you think about this issue?

READ MORE: 2000 Days With TWICE: From Being a 'Monster Rookie' to 'National Girl Group'

For more K-Pop news and updates, keep your tabs open here at KpopStarz.

KpopStarz owns this article.

Written by Eunice Dawson