"Twisting Arms and Dragging Neck"... 400,000 Won K-pop Paris Concert Controversy, CJ ENM Remains 'Unaware'

'M Countdown' Local Security Guard Accused of Racism
"Treated Like Terrorists" Claims of Excessive Force Against Asian Audience
Concerns Over 'Second M Countdown Incident' Amid Organizer's Denial

CJ ENM has remained silent for four days regarding the controversy over racial discrimination and excessive force at the K-pop concert 'M Countdown' held in Paris, France. Among the audience who attended the concert, there is growing frustration over the organizer's complacent response.

The Mnet music program 'M Countdown' was held on the 15th (local time) at the La D?fense Arena in Paris, France. Idol groups such as NCT Dream, SHINee's Taemin, MONSTA X's Shownu and Hyungwon, TREASURE, ATEEZ, and ZEROBASEONE performed on stage. Ticket prices reached 400,000 KRW, and approximately 22,000 people gathered in the audience.

Paris 'M Countdown' performance scene
[Photo by CJ ENM]

After the concert ended, complaints from attendees flooded social media platforms. Allegations arose that local security personnel used violent force only against East Asian audience members. A posted video showed a security guard twisting an audience member's arm and forcing them to the ground because a camera was found in their bag, then dragging them by the neck. Fans watching nearby expressed shock and concern in the video.

The post resonated with many attendees. Western audience members were openly carrying cameras and filming without interference from local security, while excessive bag checks were reportedly conducted only on East Asian attendees.

Immediately after the concert, complaints and protests spread mainly on X (formerly Twitter), but CJ ENM issued an official press release praising the event, stating it "excited global audiences with differentiated spectacles combining K-culture and K-pop, and the dazzling performances of global K-pop artists, proving the strength of Korean culture."

As the controversy grew, CJ ENM explained that "the Paris La D?fense Arena is a venue where professional cameras are prohibited," and that this was "announced in advance." They maintained that they only provided guidance and followed regulations. Regarding the issues of excessive force and racial discrimination, they said they were "checking with local security." As of the morning of the day after, no fact-check or additional statements had been released.

In response, the victim who was violently restrained by local security personnel posted on social media. The writer stated, "I entered carrying filming equipment to record my favorite artist," and "there was no restriction or announcement about cameras during the bag check at entry, nor any notice at the venue that cameras were prohibited."

They claimed, "While watching the concert, several security staff asked me from behind to open my bag. When I refused, I was forcefully pushed to the ground, and while I was down, they forcibly opened my bag to take the camera. Another security guard choked me and pinned me down so I couldn't move, even though I couldn't get up."

They continued, "When I tried to contact the embassy and local police, my phone was immediately confiscated, and I was restrained by having my arm twisted and being pressed down with a knee, as if being arrested as a terrorist," adding, "A female acquaintance witnessed the situation and tried to intervene, but she was also detained, and inappropriate and excessive body searches were conducted."

This image is unrelated to the main content. [Photo by Pixabay]

The victim alleged that beyond racial discrimination, they suffered human rights violations and mockery. They said, "Korean officials and staff who came in intermittently filmed and shared the situation with mocking smiles, laughing and ridiculing people while watching the videos among themselves."

This contradicts CJ ENM's explanation that camera restrictions were announced. The writer insisted that no such notice was given at entry, and cameras were not inspected despite being visible. Yet, they were subdued like a terrorist during the concert, expressing their grievance.

Despite these claims, CJ ENM continues to remain silent. Tickets for the Paris 'M Countdown' were sold at a minimum price of 85.1 euros (about 120,000 KRW) and up to 266.6 euros (about 380,000 KRW) for standing seats, which is a considerable amount even considering local prices.

There is speculation that CJ ENM invested heavily in holding this 'M Countdown' concert in Paris to support the bid for the Busan World Expo to be held a month later and to influence the vote for the host city of the 2030 World Expo scheduled in Paris on the 28th of next month. It is seen as a full-scale effort with this in mind. It is known that many key figures, including Chey Tae-won, Chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Chairman of SK Group), and Jang Sung-min, Presidential Special Envoy and Future Strategy Planning Officer at the Presidential Office, watched the concert from the VIP lounge.

CJ ENM Headquarters in Sangam-dong
Photo by Lee Iseul

Online, CJ ENM's 'turning a blind eye' attitude is also being criticized. The most important thing is the safety of the audience. If the organizer cannot guarantee the safety of East Asian attendees at K-pop concerts held overseas, and if they neglect issues such as violent restraint by pretending not to know, it is difficult for audiences to trust them.

Once the protests subside, the matter might quietly be overlooked. If the controversy dies down, there may be no need for corporate apologies or compensation. If this incident ends as is, there are concerns that a second 'Paris M Countdown incident' could occur. There is a consensus that as K-pop's status rises in the global market, the responsibility of organizers conducting concerts must also increase.

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