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ITV game show The Chase's Anne Hegerty has been slammed continuously by Twitter users on Friday after calling Korean group BTS a "little Korean boy band that's fundamentally not important."
BTS fans, and those who appreciate the K-Pop group's unprecedented role in global culture, fired back at the comment and explained why BTS is more than a boy band with no real substance.
To start at the beginning, Hegerty's comment was a direct response to Anne McElvoy, senior editor of The Economist. McElvoy responded "please no" to news that BTS sent a "message of hope" at the 75th annual U.N. Assembly, reinforcing the message of their Grammy Museum interview.
Though she later issued an apology, BTS fans were quick to cancel the British journalist and tweeted that she'd used discriminatory language.
Hegerty rushed to McElvoy's defense and apparently didn't see a reason for her apology, or the continued backlash. She then found herself in the spotlight, too, BTS Army members ready to explain why BTS is worthy of not only the message of hope, but of respect from all corners of the Internet community.
"Just because you don't understand something doesn't mean that it's not important to someone else...in this case, millions of people across generations, cultures and genders worldwide," responded author Rafranz Davis. "To dismiss them is to open yourself up to this type of scrutiny."
Others had similar points, from the wild successes of BTS both in the music and philanthropy world, to their ability to unite fans globally to take over trending conversations on Twitter, a tactful skill the BTS Army often uses for good. They're known to drown out racist conversations by hijacking hashtags. Others called Hegerty's stance racist.
Another leading point? No matter your opinion on another person or group, a general respect should be reserved. The line "fundamentally unimportant" struck a chord with many.
Just because you don’t understand something doesn’t mean that it’s not important to someone else...in this case, millions of people across generations, cultures and genders worldwide. To dismiss them is to open yourself up to this type of scrutiny
— ᴮᴱ Rafranz⁷ (@RafranzDavis) September 24, 2020
Hi Anne, not to call you out but hoping I can call you into these conversations. I don’t believe in canceling folx but I do believe in correcting. This “little” Korean boy band is fundamentally important in so many ways. First and foremost: they’re representing Asian men.
— David Yi⁷ (@seoulcialite) September 24, 2020
"Little Korean boyband"? Excuse me? Some people are ALIVE because of those 7 boys. Those boys made a number of people happy and loved when no one else could. Those boys brought smiles on the faces of millions of people. Those boys gave people HOPE. They are more than just a ++
— Directioner²⁸ᴴgleeksミ★ (@1d_ft_glee) September 24, 2020
I sincerely hope that @itv @ITVChase realizes how their Asian audience feels when their representative is being openly racist towards Asians
— Lilith â· |DYNAMITE| (@CelladoraLilith) September 24, 2020
“Little korean boyband”. Wow you all truly are circling the micro aggression wagons rather than reflecting on why what was said was inappropriate. Amazing.
— ᴮᴱ Kells ⁷ (@soul_mapped) September 24, 2020
When you are at the UN to inspire millions of people in the world with your words we will talk about how fundamentally not important they are Anne
— ᴮᴱRuchi ?⁷ (@giddyforbangtan) September 24, 2020
Ms. Hegerty, ultimately, it doesn't matter how important they are. They still deserve dignity and respect as human beings. It just so happens that they are actually doing great good in the world. But even if they weren't, they still should be treated with decent human kindness.
— christa⁷ is in BE lockdown (@ryuminating) September 24, 2020
Despite the backlash, BTS did deliver a message of hope that many found inspiring. It all had to do with 2020, and how Covid-19 has brought difficulties into the lives of people around the world. "Let us reimagine our world," said RM, the leader of the group. "It might feel like it's always night and we'll always be alone, but the night is always darkest before the first light of dawn."
Their point? Keep going. Even though the world is struggling, strength can be found together. It's a message they've sent before, along with their general advocacy for individuality and perseverance.
About the writer
Kelly started a career in journalism after completing her education at The New School in New York City. She currently ... Read more