KQ Entertainment releases official apology after ATEEZ sings and dances to Norazo's controversial 'Curry'
AKP STAFF
Posted by Dani-Dee Sunday, July 9, 2023
KQ Entertainment has released an apology after ATEEZ's recent 'Idol Radio' appearance.
On July 8 KST, MBC released behind-the-scenes footage from the 'Idol Radio' taping, where the members joking about how member San was going to DJ the episode. Playing with the phrase 'DJ San' soon turned into them saying the Sanskrit word 'santi,' which then led them to start singing the "santi, santi" lyrics of Norazo's 2010 single "Curry." The single has been long scrutinized for its stereotypical depiction of South Asians, from its lyrics to the duo's use of 'brownface' in the music video. The clip of ATEEZ creating jokes around the song soon spread through social media, with many international ATEEZ fans speaking out against their actions.
In the apology letter, which KQ Entertainment released the next day, the agency said the following:
"Hello, this is KQ Entertainment. ⠀ We would like to address the issues in regard to the online content of MBC R released yesterday afternoon, featuring ATEEZ.
The artist had no specific intent with their actions in the scene in question, but unknowingly hurt many of the fans. We would like to extend our sincerest apologies to the fans who have felt such discomfort and disappointment.
We will work diligently to establish a management system that better educates and prevents recurrence of such actions so that we do not cause any worries to our fans in the future. ⠀ Thank you."
Meanwhile, back in 2020, a decade after the song's release, Norazo's Jobin issued a long apology for the racism concerns in "Curry," having said, "I vow to become a singer who creates songs based on correct information from now on. I want to relay my sincere apologies to those of you in India, across Southern Asia, etc for causing offense. [...] Many junior idol singers are also still unaware of the offense that this song has caused. I sincerely hope that this song which began as a result of our ignorance toward other cultures and countries, will no longer cause damages to our respected junior artists, who are loved by so many people from nations around the world."
Squirreltoo (Banned)9,061 ptsSunday, July 9, 2023 0
Sunday, July 9, 2023
I'm sure there was no ill intent behind it and it was part of word play in the moment but I can see why Indians would be offended, so its good their company apologised.
30(+34 / -4)
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smartass-123415 ptsSunday, July 9, 2023 2
Sunday, July 9, 2023
As an Indian, honestly, this is very hurtful. I am not hating San, like the original singer said, many juniors r not aware of the racism of the song, it's not ok, it's very ignorant. But it's not even something to bash them about. It's not entirely their fault. I have seen Korean society in general is like that. I went to a cultural program once and I met a Korean dude there. Do you know what he did the first time we met? He sniffed me and asked me WHY DON'T I SMELL LIKE CURRY CAUSE I AM AN INDIAN?!! Like I was furious and hurt at the same time.
Whenever they think about India all they can think about is curry, the population, how traditionally we eat with our hands( And there's nothing wrong with it), and Tunak Tunak Tun(If I see another Korean dance to that song, I am losing it.) Asking me if I smell like curry is the same thing as me asking them," Why don't u smell like Kimchi?" and see them get mad about that. Do think we bathe in curry?
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Squirreltoo (Banned)9,061 pts Sunday, July 9, 2023 0I'm sure there was no ill intent behind it and it was part of word play in the moment but I can see why Indians would be offended, so its good their company apologised.