EXID's recent trip to LA has become a hot topic in the Korean music industry due to racist coverage of the group's arrival at LAX airport.
On May 2, TMZ filmed EXID's arrival at LAX airport. Group member Junghwagreeted fans and the camera in English, expressing her happiness from seeing so many fans waiting for them.
After showing the short clip, a TMZ reporter began imitating her response with a stereotypical accent. The reporter tries to defend her actions, and the rest of the crew casually laughs and jokes about the accent.
The clip has went viral and the response has been overwhelmingly negative against TMZ. The CEO of Yedang Entertainment, Jeon Seung Hwi, made an official statement in response to TMZ's racist coverage of the group.
"The video in question is racist and I feel it is extremely wrong to make fun of someone’s happiness at seeing fans. We didn’t even realize there were reporters present and never thought Junghwa’s pronunciation would be subject to ridicule. I also watched the video with the members and Junghwa feels extremely upset," he said.
The CEO also stated that he will be getting in touch with TMZ regarding the incident and could possibly take legal actions if appropriate.
Several Korean celebrities have spoken out against TMZ's coverage of EXID.
"I was gunna stay quiet but i cant. Seriously, @tmz not cool man. All Americans face palm at your rude and childish actions," f(x) member Amber said on her official twtter account.
Netizens have also been critical of TMZ. While the majority of people are against TMZ's mockery of Junghwa's English, some have also express that calling the incident racist was taking things too far.
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