K-pop idols speak out as racist incidents abroad spark outrage

From left, Soyou, Seungkwan, Rose and Hyeri / Xportsnews

Despite K-pop’s global influence and its role in spreading Korean culture worldwide, several idols continue to experience racial discrimination overseas — reigniting anger among fans and prompting calls for change.

Recent victims include BLACKPINK’s Rosé, SEVENTEEN’s Seungkwan, Hyeri and Soyou, all of whom reported or were involved in incidents that many say reflect lingering prejudice against Asian celebrities.

Singer Soyou revealed on Sunday that she was treated “like a problem passenger” on a long-haul flight after merely requesting a Korean-speaking attendant to check the meal schedule. She claimed the purser reacted negatively to her request, summoned security and left her feeling humiliated — spending the entire 15-hour journey without food. “The experience left me deeply hurt by [the] racial bias,” she said. “No one should ever be doubted or insulted because of their race.”

A passenger claiming to have been on the same flight alleged online that Soyou had been drunk and disruptive, but the commenter later deleted both the post and their account after Soyou’s detailed rebuttal, shifting public sentiment in her favor. The airline involved was later identified as the same carrier previously accused of racism by singer-actress Hyeri in 2023, when she said her first-class seat was downgraded to economy. The carrier later apologized, citing an aircraft change.

SEVENTEEN's Seungkwan / Xportsnews

Earlier this month, SEVENTEEN’s Seungkwan also shared his experience of subtle discrimination during a visit to the United States. He said that when he ordered an iced Americano at a café, staff failed to understand him twice, and when they finally did, the drink was made with almond milk — something he never requested. Fans expressed outrage online, pointing out the potential danger had he suffered from a nut allergy.

BLACKPINK's Rose / Xportsnews

Meanwhile, BLACKPINK’s Rosé faced a separate controversy at Paris Fashion Week on Sept. 29. When British fashion magazine Elle UK posted a group photo of Rosé with Hailey Bieber, Zoë Kravitz and Charli XCX, she was the only person cropped out of the frame — despite being the only global ambassador for Saint Laurent among them. The move drew widespread criticism over racial bias, with fans pointing out that Vogue and other outlets had shared the full image. Elle UK later claimed the edit was due to “photo size adjustments” and uploaded a solo image of Rosé, but the damage had been done.

Captured from Elle UK

Captured from Vogue

While Rosé eventually received an apology, many K-pop fans say these incidents highlight how racism against Asian artists persists even as they achieve global stardom. Online users have flooded social media with messages calling for accountability and more respectful treatment of Korean entertainers abroad.

This article from Xportsnews is adapted by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.