German Radio Host Criticizes BTS 'Corona' Reference... Broadcaster Issues Apology

BTS appearing on 'MTV Unplugged.'
[Image source=Yonhap News]

A German radio show host is facing criticism from fans after making offensive remarks by comparing the group BTS's performance to COVID-19.

According to local media on the 26th, Matthias Matuschke, a host of a program on the German radio station Bayern3, strongly criticized BTS's recent 'MTV Unplugged' performance during a broadcast the previous night (Korean time).

MTV Unplugged is a live program by the American music channel MTV, where legendary musicians such as Nirvana, Bob Dylan, and Oasis have performed.

BTS performed on the MTV Unplugged stage aired on the 24th, becoming the first Korean artist to do so. BTS presented a cover of Coldplay's "Fix You."

Matuschke condemned BTS's cover of "Fix You" as "blasphemy." He said, "Those who are displeased should spend their vacation in North Korea for the next 20 years," and especially comparing BTS to the coronavirus, sarcastically remarked, "Damn coronavirus, hopefully a vaccine for (BTS) will come out."

He claimed to have no ill feelings toward Korea, saying, "You cannot accuse me of racism just because these boys are from Korea. I own a Korean car."

In response, BTS fans and others criticized Matuschke's remarks as racist on social media.

On the 26th, Bayern3 issued a statement on its website, explaining that "the choice of words was excessive due to exaggerated excitement in expressing opinions," and apologized for "hurting BTS fans."

However, Bayern3 clarified that "he had no particular intention" and "only wanted to express displeasure about the cover version." They added, "It remains a fact that many people take his remarks painfully, and we apologize for that."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.