Japanese Show Garners Backlash After NCT Wish Sakuya Gets Physically Hurt By Cast Member

A Japanese show is garnering backlash after NCT Wish member Sakuya was physically hit by a cast member.

On June 26, 2024, NCT Wish made their much-anticipated comeback with the single "Songbird." To promote the release, the members are appearing on different shows and embarking on different activities. Most recently, the members attended a Japanese show.

However, their appearance sparked more negative attention than positive reception.

In a GIF shared with several South Korean media outlets and social media platforms, Sakuya is seen standing and politely clapping his hands. As the camera zooms out, it is revealed he is standing next to the host of the show. Suddenly, the host turns to Sakuya and roughly pushes him, causing him to stagger.

It was revealed that the host hit Sakuya because the idol's hand motions were off for the segment they were doing. Though Sakuya appeared to smile and laugh it off, the interaction sparked immense backlash from viewers.

Many wondered how Japanese shows could get away with treating their guests like that, slamming the host for being disrespectful and ignorant. It was pointed out by many that Sakuya was born in 2007 and is only 16 years old, meaning he physically assaulted a minor on television.

While some noted that these types of gags were common in Japanese entertainment, many still couldn't push the cultural difference aside. Despite NCT Wish promoting mostly in Japan, they are still considered K-pop idols; therefore, they should be treated as such. Many hoped that K-pop idols would stop coming to Japan for such entertainment shows and only go there to sing.

Some comments read,

• "Wow, they actually do this to K-pop idols too? Why are they hitting him? Even if he is Japanese, he's still a K-pop idol. Does he think it's okay to hit him just because he's Japanese?"
• "Can you believe this? How can they hit someone and just ignore it? This is so disrespectful; it portrays them as criminals. Is this a normal thing in Japanese shows? Seriously?"
• "I'm just not comfortable with these Japanese practices..."
• "Sure, it might be part of their culture, but from my perspective, it doesn't come off well. There's a lot of mockery directed at female idols too, and it just doesn't sit right using any means just to get a laugh."
• "Have they lost their minds? These people are outrageous."
• "Cultural norms aside, we should feel free to call out actions that seem inappropriate or wrong."
• "Isn’t Sakuya born in 2007? It’s inappropriate to treat anyone like this, but it’s especially shocking to see such treatment towards a child. It's so disrespectful."
• "This is why I have issues with Japanese entertainment. They often take rudeness too far just for comedic effect."
• "Is this kind of behavior typical in Japan? It’s disgusting."
• "In Japan, they might do this as a way to give someone time to speak, but it's something that can make people in Korea uncomfortable."

What do you think of the situation? Tell us in the comments below!

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Written by Alexa Lopez