Joseph Kahn Refuses To Apologize For Attacks On BTS
The Korean-American filmmaker, Joseph Kahn, recently shared a post on his Twitter, accusing BTS of having plastic surgery and wearing lipstick.
They all have plastic surgery. They are all wearing lipstick. This is what Crazy Rich Asians actually look like. pic.twitter.com/u8ruEsYb7R
— Joseph Kahn (@JosephKahn) August 9, 2018
He continued his argument by stating that Asian-Americans believe Asian men are being “feminized” by wearing lipstick.
Asian Americans: STOP FEMINIZING OUR MEN. ASIANS ARE MACHO TOO.
Asians: YOU NO WEAR LIPSTICK? WHY? https://t.co/DmJWP9vZHl
— Joseph Kahn (@JosephKahn) August 9, 2018
This was followed by a post with an article that claimed South Korean men had plastic surgery to get the “pretty boy” look.
— Joseph Kahn (@JosephKahn) August 9, 2018
The posts soon went viral and caused him immense backlash from ARMYs and netizens around the world who retaliated, bombarding the post with attacks on his appearance.
You typing this pic.twitter.com/F4jmWd69UZ
— paula💜 (@definitelxmaybe) August 12, 2018
“ thEy alL hAvE plAsTiC sUrGerY ” pic.twitter.com/i1KECB6Xc4
— Khayla (@chryl_0223) August 13, 2018
I think you're the one who needs plastic surgery pic.twitter.com/slITzD4c9K
— kai (@khairrunsawdr) August 13, 2018
Many went on to defend the BTS members by sharing photos to prove that his claims were not true.
same features. don’t start shit unless you know your facts. pic.twitter.com/L3CLn1i06F
— chloe🌸 (@chloerosebts) August 13, 2018
I see no difference pic.twitter.com/VMqhIkfx2q
— cara de pai (@YEIJOOOOOP) August 12, 2018
And the last one… Have a great day, jealous man!! pic.twitter.com/eVbOU4c44E
— cara de pai (@YEIJOOOOOP) August 12, 2018
??? pic.twitter.com/qX5c9s0uZY
— Bangtang_ Official (@NajmaGoitam) August 15, 2018
Some have even accused the filmmaker of being racist against his own ethnicity.
Bro that sounds racist, homophobic and you are clearly using an outdated definition of masculinity. It really makes me wonder why a grown man is trying to make belittle the accomplishments of a group of hardworking, talented young men that.
— dilanka (@dilanka80023011) August 10, 2018
Does attacking your fellow Asians for no reason elevate your fragile masculinity? Did bts refuse to work with you or something? If they did, who would blame them? They already have the genius Lumpens as their director.
— CherryKook💕🐰🍒 (@babysatan_jk) August 9, 2018
Moreover, when news of his claims hit the Korean media, Korean netizens joined in on the criticism, accusing him of using BTS to gain more attention and returning the insult.
- “Must you go this far to get a little more attention.”
- “Who’s this nobody?”
- “You succeeded in getting your name out.”
- “Yes, and your face looks completely natural.”
- “Joseph, your face doesn’t have any hope even with plastic surgery.”
After receiving so much criticism, Joseph shared a series of posts in the following days explaining that it was all a joke.
I tweeted a joke about BTS and apparently it became national news in Korea lol. I wish my Trump jokes had as much power.
— Joseph Kahn (@JosephKahn) August 14, 2018
Never take any tweet I say seriously unless it has the official serious tweet logo at the end of it: ⚠️
— Joseph Kahn (@JosephKahn) August 14, 2018
What he didn’t do, however, was apologize, and he made it clear that he never would.
And all of you will get roasted by me at some point. And no, I'll never apologize. Suck a dick.
— Joseph Kahn (@JosephKahn) August 14, 2018
Meanwhile, Big Hit Entertainment has responded to the issue by stating that there was nothing to be said, indicating that they would focus on preparations for BTS’ comeback on August 24 rather than respond to the controversy.
“We do not have any official statement in regard to the issue.” ㅡ Big Hit Entertainment
