20 to ONE upsets BTS fans
Updated: Nine says sorry after clip show ignites the wrath of a global army of K-Pop fans.
- Published by David Knox
- on
Channel Nine has enraged global BTS fans after mocking the Korean boyband’s talent in a 20 to ONE segment last night.
While the Nine show adopts a humorous approach to its clip countdown, on social media few were seeing the funny side of things and #channel9apologize was trending at #1 on Twitter last night.
Many were calling the “Greatest Global Crazes” segment xenophobic and racist.
“It’s the biggest band you’ve never heard of,” said host Erin Molan.
“This is BTS the South Korean One Direction,” she continued. “They’re the first Korean act to have a number one in America, which is made even more impressive because only one actually speaks English.”
The segment acknowledged ‘hard core’ fans but still joked about the band’s names, singing ability, lyrics and sexuality.
“They even spoke at the U.N.” said host Nick Cody.
“What about?” asked Molan.
“I’m going to say hair products.”
Despite acknowledging their YouTube success, chart success and fan devotion, the show has now put global fans on a warpath with Nine.
absolutely disgusting. nothing about this video was funny and i found that the review of bts was not even properly researched or cared for. really shows how racist of a country australia is @Channel9 #channel9apologize https://t.co/hFkh5uW3yZ
— mon ♡ makussi day (@_hehetmon) June 19, 2019
As an Australian myself I have never been so disappointed to call myself one. As a country that claims to be multicultural, I have never seen such blatant racism and xenophobia in my life and to witness such behaviour on television absolutely disgusts me!#channel9apologize
— 𝒯𝒾𝓂𝓂𝓎 ⁷ | 𝔇𝔶𝔫𝔞𝔪𝔦𝔱𝔢💥 (@birdyinacage) June 19, 2019
i was absolutely disgusted at @20toOne's segment tonight about BTS so i wrote this letter and sent it to channel 9 and free tv australia (the industry body representing all of Australia's commercial free-to-air television broadcasters) #Channel9Apologize @Channel9 pic.twitter.com/HmFDjXnVQk
— alaiya ✙⁷ 💃🏻 (@retroyoongii) June 19, 2019
I'm writing a complaint to the australian program that featured bts, can someone proof read it since english is not my first language? #channel9apologize
— lau⁷ ✨ iichliwp (i love you more than love) (@argentaeheart) June 19, 2019
https://twitter.com/aegyohaseyo/status/1141367548446773249
We ask you for SINCERE APOLOGY#channel9apologize @20toOne
— 💜보라색이브🙆🏻♀️ (@u_r_BestofMe_) June 19, 2019
https://twitter.com/GlowyJiminie/status/1141363996966060033
Apologize for your act of racism, defamation and slander of character! #Channel9Apologize
— BLM⟭⟬ ᴮᴱ Justus⁷⟬⟭ ᴺᵒ¹ (@AmiiiiOt7) June 19, 2019
Updated: A Nine spokesperson said, “As a light-hearted entertainment program, it is our belief that last night’s episode of 20 to One, which highlighted the ‘Greatest Global Crazes’, did not breach any broadcast regulations, and was intended to humorously highlight the popularity of the group. We apologise to any who may have been offended by last night’s episode.”
— 20 to One (@20toOne) June 20, 2019
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16 Responses
Ok team. As an Australian who has lived in Asia for 17 years – 8 of them being in South Korea – I would like to offer some points to ponder as to why this segment offended people. South Korea has a history of invasions, colonisation and almost being culturally wiped out – something most white Australians never care to think about. From the decimation of war, Korea has fiercely risen. Koreans have come to intensely love their country, their brands, and they are very strong on their identity – things this TV show failed to take into consideration. This was, and is, a massive faux pas.
Before airing, the show should have asked itself –
What cultural implications will this segment have ? How will the comment of only one of them being able to speak English be interpreted ?
How will ‘going to the UN to sell hair products’ be taken ? Does everything have to be done in English to be successful ?
Prior Preparation ..yeh ? Lets make sure we actually do it.
I didn’t realise that 20 to 1 was still on.
But if you think 20 to 1 is bad (and drags out for too long), then you should watch “Australia’s To 10 of Everything”. It airs on Saturdays at 1.30pm…. on Nine. Complete filler of a program. lol.
In looking at the segment, I think the reaction is overblown.
While I think some quotes weren’t right; eg: implying that their success is shocking because only one person in the group speaks English, or joking about their sexuality,
But most of it was above board – saying that a boy band is talking at the UN about hair product is a silly joke.
Don’t know whey the fans would get upset – it’s not as though it was a staunch political speech, just a light jaunty speech about self empowerment and reaching for the stars – didn’t mention any hair products but did talk about their hair a couple of times.
Don’t ever watch this show….it’s junk. Watched the clip though. I think the hair products comment was insulting….I’m sure they were addressing the UN with serious issues. I remember they bagged One Direction, Brittany Spears more harshly a few years back, No one seemed to care about that. I remember it was when Brittany shaved her head, biggest meltdown or something of the like.. so is mental health something ok to mock. Stupid comments in above clip but I don’t think it’s racist if these comments are being applied to all races..
Snowflakes… offended by everything…
I saw it in good humour. But where are all the One Direction fans who kicked up a stink when someone made a joke about the band, at? Nickelback cops it all the time… fans soldier on.
That’s right. The only difference is that they can’t play the racist card for Nickleback/1D.
I don’t know who these “hosts” are, I’m guessing 9 went for a walk to the local Centrelink and grab the first girl and guy they saw and gave them a job.
What a shame on 9 for letting a show that was once hosted by the legendary Bud Tingwell and Bert Newton become backwater.
Harsh but given the tone the show sets, a robust response.
I’m genuinely surprised so many people still watch this show.
It surprises me that 20 to One is still on air as I haven’t watched the show since the days of Bud Tingwell and Bert Newton hosting.
Nothing racist about it. A bunch of “snowflakes”
Mate. Try living next door to North Korea, with all young males over 18 needing to serve up to 2 years mandatory military service. Snowflake aye?
Haven’t watched this show in years, glad to see it’s still irrelevant as ever.
The segment on Movember which promotes Men’s health such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men’s suicide wasn’t much better. It was downright mocking in tone, especially the comments by Peter Berner.
I’ve heard a comedian explain their reactions to videos were not the videos they were actually shown. You know, the magic of editing after the fact.