BTS fans prompt apology from Australian TV show over 'offensive' segment

Hannah Yasharoff

Fans of South Korean boy band BTS have made one thing perfectly clear: They won't tolerate negative comments about the world-famous group. 

The global phenom's loyal social media fanbase, who have dubbed themselves the #BTSARMY, took issue with a segment Wednesday from an Australian TV show, calling multiple comments throughout the piece offensive and xenophobic. 

"Literally every sentence said in this video is problematic and is filled with racial undertones and xenophobia," fan Luke Waltham wrote in a tweet. "Dear @20toOne, you should definitely reflect and apologise for this disgusting, misinformed report about BTS."

"20 To One," an entertainment trend show, tweeted Thursday morning: "We apologize for any disrespect and offense taken." 

USA TODAY has reached out to a representative for "20 To One" for further comment. 

The show is branded as a hub for "international and homegrown celebrities" to share their "hilarious and often shocking takes" on pop culture. 

"You can be sure they won't be holding back," a 2018 press release promised. 

During the segment, co-host Erin Molan introduced BTS as a group "so popular, it could heal the rift between North and South Korea." 

"When I first head something Korean had exploded in America, I got worried," British comedian Jimmy Carr said. "So I guess it could have been worse — but not much worse." 

Using hashtags to call on the network behind the show to apologize, fans took issue with the fact that the segment mentioned BTS along with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. 

"North and South Korea are two different places. The presenters clumped men who raised money to help the youth and a DICTATOR together," one user wrote, referencing a line from co-host Dave Thornton wondering if Kim Jong Un was "into boy bands." 

"That is nothing but deep-rooted racism," the fan continued. 

Molan also marveled at the band's success in the US, even though "only one band member actually speaks English." 

"To see white entertainers have a go at a popular minority group for having only 1 English speaker was at best ugly," tweeted journalist Jae-Ha Kim. "Show could've gotten digs in w/o being idiotic." 

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: BTS fans prompt apology from Australian TV show over 'offensive' segment