Jimmy Fallon’s Tonight Show MC apologises to BTS for ‘racist’ joke at recording
Comedian Seth Herzog has reportedly apologised after making a joke during a pre-recording of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
TMZ reports that the warm-up host, 55, asked the audience during Wednesday's (25 March) taping: “Anybody here from the North? No? Nobody?" during a segment asking people where they came from.
BTS fans, however, have kicked off on social media, as some branded the joke as 'racist', according the outlet.
A source close to the South Korean BTS members - who later appeared on the show that evening - told TMZ: "Herzog apologised to BTS for the situation and network brass spoke to Herzog about the incident."
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The band's two-day appearance on The Tonight Show is set to feature interviews and performances.
On Wednesday night's showing, BTS reunited with Jimmy Fallon to promote their new album ARIRANG and performed their single 'SWIM'.
BTS, which stands for Bangtan Sonyeondan, meaning 'bulletproof boy scouts, debuted in 2013 with the album 2 Cool 4 Skool.
The seven members - RM, Jin, Suga, J‑Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook - initially focused on hip-hop–inspired music addressing youth struggles and social issues.
BTS gradually expanded their musical style and gained recognition with albums such as The Most Beautiful Moment in Life series and Love Yourself: Tear.
Then in 2018, they became the first Korean group to top the Billboard 200 chart. Their global hits include songs like 'Dynamite' and 'Butter', which topped the Billboard Hot 100.
In a Q&A for Korea Times, BTS said it was 'exciting and nerve-racking' to return after three years and nine months without music.
"But more than anything, it’s overwhelming. Just being able to do something together again as seven makes us grateful," the group said.
"We prepared hard because ARMY (our fans) waited for us. It’s a joy to be back and to show ourselves again.
"There’s excitement but also fear, but with the members and ARMY, we’re not too worried."
Suga said: "We thought about what is most like us. Rather than something grand, we focused on 'us' itself."
Jimin also added: "We wanted to say we will keep moving forward. There’s pressure to always show something new and better, and a lot of worry comes with that. Still, we wanted to express that we will keep swimming."
"We captured each member’s dedication and individuality. I hope people see this as the most BTS-like album," Jungkook said.
LADbible Group has contacted Seth Herzog's representatives and NBC for comment.
Topics: Jimmy Fallon, Celebrity, Music
Anish Vij