Seungri, Did You REALLY Say That? Aigoo…
So, I was all in the middle of my Big Bang fangirly-ness when I heard about a rather…well…racist comment Seungri made on a radio program in January of this year.
Basically what happened was he was talking about when Big Bang was in America. They were outside of an airport and Seungri wanted to change, so he gets into this van and changes. Unfortunately, the van he entered was not theirs. When he gets out of the van, the owner starts yelling at him and Seungri says sorry and what not. And then, on the radio show, he says that he was happy the guy was Caucasian and not African-American because he might have gotten shot. WOW. I was so disappointed by that and I was so hoping it wasn’t true but it is. I was seriously on a Big Bang high earlier today, singing Lies and Last Farewell, watching random shows with them on it…. and then this. I’m really offended, I can’t believe he actually thought that was appropriate to say on the air.
I have a huge problem with stereotypes of any race and to hear someone in what was quickly becoming one of my favorite groups say something based on a stereotype really saddens me. Sadly, it somewhat makes sense. In general, the image of African-Americans in Asia is pretty bad. Which is pretty much a direct result from the horrible mainstream image of African-Americans in this country, the United States. Hip Hop culture and the ridiculous wide spread use of the word “nigger” has not helped at all. Part of the reason why I hated hip hop and rap music was because it was full of nonsense: gangs, drugs, clubs, strippers, “sluts and hoes” etc. etc. Then I heard Epik High and I thought, wow, rap can be smart. Don’t get me wrong, their are some American rappers I like sometimes, like Jay-Z (when he’s not saying “I got 99 problems but a bitch ain’t one”), Eminem (when he’s not talking about killing his mother or Kim), Timbaland and others but, though I love all genres, I have alot less hip hop and rap on my ipod.
But it seems so strange. Big Bang is a hip hop/rap group and you’d think that all of their members would somewhat understand that not all African-American people are the same. But, to split hairs, because they work in this genre of music, and the origins of it are mostly African-American males rapping about being in the ‘hood and being in gangs and shooting people and such nonsense, this image of violent African-Americans is extremely prominent.
Usually, when I hear someone make a racist or prejudiced comment I ignore it and feel embarassed for that person, because to me, I just feel like racism is so passe. But hearing it from Seungri…I’m so disappointed! I don’t know how else to put it. The fact that he thought it was okay to say something like that is insane to me. I mean, Seungri is known for not knowing when to shut up but damn… It’s easy to dismiss people that are extremly overtly racist like, say, the KKK. But when it’s so deep in a culture or a people’s way of thinking it just reminds me that people have a long way to go. I mean, I remember hearing a story about Uhm Jung Hwa in NYC. When she was in a club a guy asked her if she was a good housewife because she’s Asian. (To which she replied in broken English “No, I’m a princess!”) I was so embarassed, I have so much pride in NYC being the most culturely diverse city in the world and that just reminds me that SO many people still think like that.
Racism exists, and even though I used to try to ignore it I know it’s there. But… I’m not going to wallow in self-pity and self-imposed depression (I’m too lazy). I don’t know how to end this post… Haha I still love Big Bang but I need some time before I start listening to their music again. Which makes me sad because their new Mini Album come out on January 4th!!!!!!! Aigoo… [Edit: I definitely just listened to Lies and Last Farewell like ten times since writing this haha]
January 2, 2008 at 2:45 pm
Crap, this makes me sad. I don’t know if it’s weird of me to see it racism born out of ignorance. Well, I guess that’s were a lot of racism comes from (as opposed to determined/undeniable racism some individuals display).
This is somewhat unrelated, but:
I don’t know if you have seen the jdrama Hana Yori Dango, but I was shocked and appalled to see them negatively portray African-Americans. The first episode of the second season there is a scene set in NYC, and one of the main characters almost gets beat up by three African-American guys (who curse up a storm). I remember seeing that and feeling quite surprised because even if that DID happen, it could just as easily have been people of any other race. IDK.
Anyway, I hope Seungri realizes that he has made wrong assumptions sometime in the future. I know he wasn’t trying to be malicious, but it was still racist of him.
January 2, 2008 at 5:31 pm
Yeah, my friend told me about that HYD2 thing. And, yeah, I’m pretty sure he’s realized his mistake by now.
January 2, 2008 at 9:02 pm
that’s totally ridiculous… I mean if he thinks that African American are such why do they use rn’b and hip hop? it kind of piss me off that they use this style of music but yet they don’t know anything about A.A that’s totally ignorant and cheap from them… gosh * i think that i am going to stay away for a while*
ok one more thing… so why do they dress up like gangstas if they think that one will probably shoot them. what the hell man? it’s like everything they do is totally contrary to what they portray… * i feel like cursing because it really gets on my last nerves but yet i can’t… but it really pisses me off* i did not know that they were that ignorant after all they ’sing’
January 2, 2008 at 10:52 pm
[...] Seung Ri is racist? totally?…I start to wonder I don’t think I like them anymore. what he said was totally ignorant and yeah i can’t write something about … [...]
January 2, 2008 at 10:57 pm
Keep in mind that only Seungri said that and I hope it doesn’t reflect what the other members think or what he still thinks. But you never know. It’s a whole different world.
January 2, 2008 at 11:52 pm
yeah u got a point… *ran out of excuses* sigh… whatever i give up on that…
January 3, 2008 at 12:08 am
Lol!!!!! If this is what that seing.. guy (i don’t really know his name) said, then don’t worry: it just reflects how DUMB he is!!!! lol the guy is flat out ridiculous!! (doing some music without knowing the source or maybe understanding it- good thing he spoke for his darn name and not for the whole group.)well for all the zik lovers, don’t get discouraged, if you love something stick to it! if you get mad, you’ll end up doing the same thing as that idiot (the seiugri guy) who started it!
spread some love!
January 4, 2008 at 12:44 am
You’ve gotta keep in mind though, it not’s just Seungri. I mean, a lot of ppl in Korea are like this… Yeah, from our point of view, it’s racist, but not so much in Korea… I don’t think people should start hating him for it… Korea needs to change its mindset on the rest of the world and stop making ignorant statements before it can start thinking about “conquering the world” as many want to. But I still love Big Bang, including Seungri, and I mean, he’s ‘90…
January 7, 2008 at 12:24 am
I read about this a little while ago and dismissed it as a rumor, but now that I know it’s true I’m really disappointed. I mean, I doubt I’ll stop loving Big Bang as a whole because of it, but that really hurts that one of my favorite singers would say that, especially since it’s so ignorant. I just watched the “How Gee” music video and to see how much the beginning imitates African American barbershops is shocking because clearly he didn’t even realize where his genre of music came from.
I can shake this off pretty easily because from what I’ve seen of Seungri, he really doesn’t just know when to shut up or when he jokes aren’t funny, and I know he’s probably realized the mistake he made by saying that but still….it gives me this sick feeling in the pit of my stomach.
At the same time, I can’t say I blame him…it’s not like blacks have given themselves the best of images. We can blame racism and oppression for our current image but I say it’s time for us to stop that. Sometimes, I feel like we just brought that on ourselves, and now our people are being judged even as far as S.Korea because of it. I’m not saying that gave SR the right to say that, but since he doesn’t seem to realize what he said, he probably didn’t know any better.
I also realize that a lot of Koreans just aren’t aware of how twisted their view on other races are.
January 8, 2008 at 3:56 pm
Good post.
Before I comment on Seung Ri, I just wanted to respond to what someone else said about the Japanese and their views of blacks/African Americans. I’ve been reading this dissertation on how the Japanese view racial others (basically, Westerners and non-Japanese Asians) and it’s long been in their media to portray people of color VERY negatively. And nobody’s there to correct them or to protest against this so this kind of skewed thinking has been “allowed” to go on for ages. This makes me sad because I was really fucking annoyed at the racist thinking portrayed in HYD2. And Japanese glorification of whiteness is also super apparent and super annoying. Of the entire first episode and all their New York City scenes, two things I got away with:
- Blacks are violent and are out to kill you, destroy you, put you into harm.
- White people are saints who will take time out of their lives to point you in the right direction and to guide you in life to make sure you don’t get lost.
Both of these things are bullshit. First of all, just according to the city, no NEW YORKER will help you like that white person did. And I’m so sick of the stereotypes against blacks, especially in media that’s not originating in America. I mean, at least in American non-entertainment media, there’s “political correctness” so things are not as OVERT, whereas in Asian media, they don’t even realize that they’re being racist. But I mean, I agree with you, most of it is because American media still gives off this vibe with its hip hop artists kind of saying the same things over and over about the black community.
Blah. I’m disappointed in Seung Ri. I think lots of people get carried away with fangirling over a certain group that they kind of ignore these things and go “oh.” When I really ground myself and think about it, what these people say is more important than how cute I think they are as an artist. And yeah so I’m really disappointed in SR. And I think it’s BS when people say, “Well, you can really blame him because a lot of people in Korea are like that.” That doesn’t make it OKAY. It’s like saying, well lots of people were killing black people for no reason during KKK’s reign in the South during the 20th century, so it doesn’t matter if so-and-so does it too. A more extreme comparison, but still a comparison nonetheless. This kind of stuff perpetuates if anyone blindly overlooks it, and justifies someone’s racism by saying that it’s an entire culture’s fault and then disregards it.
January 8, 2008 at 4:18 pm
Completely agree with you, Amy.
January 12, 2008 at 6:14 am
the one who said all korean ppl think like that are you not stereotyping???
im korean and im offened that you can say that b/c pretty much all my friends are white and black.. i have grown up not even hanging out with a korean person…
yeah i understand that he shouldnt have said that and kept it to himself..well ppl make mistakes and im sure alot of american famous ppl have said things to that point too….
i say just forgive him and im sure he has learned not to say that!!
January 12, 2008 at 4:01 pm
How in the earth Seungri ended up someone else’s car without realizing and changing his clothes
weird ……………………………………………………..
January 15, 2008 at 8:13 pm
i dont think he did it on purpose ….
well i like him the most! no matter what 
January 15, 2008 at 8:19 pm
On purpose? It’s not like spilling a glass of milk. You don’t do THAT on purpose. Saying what he said isn’t a matter of doing it on purpose or not.
January 21, 2008 at 11:13 pm
I definitely know what he said was wrong, but what do you think he can do about it at this point? Take back something that has already been said? “illdielauging,” I realize your point and the reason why you are so overheated about this, but you should realize that the difference between Seungri and the rest of Koreans is that he said it in public and everyone else didn’t. As much as he was wrong, I really don’t think he should be blamed for this. Besides, everyone makes mistakes, and that doesn’t mean they made that mistake on purpose. If you don’t want to be considered “narro-minded,” I think you should try to understand his posistion and the background he’s coming from.
January 22, 2008 at 12:36 am
First, Refer to Amy’s comment.
Second, being offended isn’t an overheated reaction nor is it being narrowminded.
Third, when someone does something wrong and realize what they did was wrong they “take it back”. It’s called an apology.
Fourth, How can you not be blamed for something that comes out of your mouth? I understand that the general way of thinking in Korea towards blacks is rather negative but that doesn’t mean it’s right. (Nor does it mean that EVERYONE in Korea thinks that way).
Fifth and last, I understand his postition, I wrote that in my post but regardless, I also know right from wrong and what he said was wrong. Him not knowing it was wrong doesn’t make it right or okay.
People shouldn’t stereotype people. That is what Seung Ri did. Maybe he grew up in an enviroment where that was okay. But I (and I think you) know that stereotyping is wrong. So… he was wrong.
January 23, 2008 at 11:36 pm
la riots
February 6, 2008 at 7:53 pm
Most young (and even old) Koreans are just plain ignorant.
Sorry to say but I noticed that from many young KPOP/Korean artists.
As well as from the many Koreans I meet in my country.
It’s disappointing.
February 6, 2008 at 8:00 pm
Btw, I said MOST, but that’s not generalizing.
I’m stating my opinion from what I observe and my own experience.
Hopefully some culturally uneducated/close-minded Koreans can learn from this issue.
April 29, 2008 at 4:01 pm
I know this is really old news, but, whatever. I was also quite disappointed when I read about this, because I adore Seung Ri. I’m not defending what he said, but try to remember that he was, what, 16, when he said this? Hopefully, he’s matured and moved on from this by now! It’s what I like to think, anyway
May 10, 2008 at 9:37 pm
The point I want people to realise is that before you get all offended and raise your pitchforks and torches at Seung Ri or Big Bang you shouild all take a step back and look at the bigger picture. Instead of blaming them and their culture or their country, you should first change our home turf… Meaning that Hollywood itself portray African-Americans in the same strereotypical light and these films are viewed all over the world. How can you blame them for giving stereotytpes when, we feed that way of thinking through songs, movies, and even TV shows. Before blaming him for that, maybe you guys should think and see where he is getting that kind of impression from.
May 11, 2008 at 4:36 pm
Thanks “wazupwiththat” but we have realized it and I mentioned it in my post.
Read: “In general, the image of African-Americans in Asia is pretty bad. Which is pretty much a direct result from the horrible mainstream image of African-Americans in this country, the United States. ”
That’s a direct quote.
May 13, 2008 at 11:58 pm
“Instead of blaming them and their culture or their country, you should first change our home turf… Meaning that Hollywood itself portray African-Americans in the same strereotypical light and these films are viewed all over the world. How can you blame them for giving stereotytpes when, we feed that way of thinking through songs, movies, and even TV shows. Before blaming him for that, maybe you guys should think and see where he is getting that kind of impression from.”
Well regardless of the point that still is no excuse to be ignorant, stupid and lazy. If it had been a black person he would’ve gotten shot, now what kind of dumb azz statement is that to make as if all black people carry guns and Asians and Whites don’t do the same. Also Big Bang call themselves hip-hop what Hip-Hop are they a part of. Also this isn’t the first time racism has reared it’s ugly head Take for example the Bubble Sisters, I mean damn how blantly stupid can you be. How many R&B singers do you know step to a microphone in blackface with pajamas on and rollers in their hair, name me one!
June 20, 2008 at 2:45 am
although its been said in a round about way i just wanted to clarify an earlier comment from Joli, “it’s not like blacks have given themselves the best of images. ” Like its been said its not that Blacks have developed these images for themselves. I’ll take it that you’re not black, but seriously? Would you ever, deliberating, create a denogatory image for yourself? Obviously not. Instead, like later mentioned, these are the faults of Hollywood and media at large for the negative and detrimental portrayals.
and the blantant racial portrayals in HYD2 incredibly ticked me off as well–after watching the opening segment to the second season i was ready the flip off the video and toss the drama completely (and i had *really* like HYD1)
S. Korea, Japan, and the world at large need to step it up- lack of accountability never makes it okay! and yes, America needs to just as much as them (i just think we’ve gotten more sophisticated about it.
June 30, 2008 at 5:33 pm
i think what he said is 2tally wrong..agree w/ that!!! but im not gonna stress myself on this!!! if ur livin’ in 21st century, u should know better,..our generation is just “blah” cant find a word!!! i agree w/ u all..whatever!!! i like african americans, i have sOoO so many A.A. friends!!! anywayz hopefully on d 31st century everything is understandable!!!
July 3, 2008 at 9:08 am
Another example of real hip hop is dave chapelle’s block party.
Seung Ri looks up to N Sync…enough said.
July 28, 2008 at 9:16 pm
I have read the comments on this board and actually came here, when I read on a different board that he made a racist comment. I wanted to know what was said because I bought and received both Big Bang Japanese CD’s, and for the record, I’m African American.
I can understand why he made that statement, and I actually don’t fault him. The reason being that I have watched a lot of Japanese TV shows, Korean dramas/movies and the first time I saw a black man on a Korean video was a big bang training session. I was so shocked, I wanted to know who this group was? As I ventured closer, I found them singing songs by Omarion, Usher, Ne-Yo, Jay-Z etc . . . they admired these American artist and wanted to replicate their style.
You can see it in the way they dress and the way they sing/rap. It’s a new era in Korean music, getting away from the candy, Britney Spears, KPop images they have held onto for so long. Rather than bashing them for this, look at it as “imitation being the sincerest form of flattery”. As long as it’s not done in a derogatory way.
So, I don’t believe he meant it as a racist statement because you tend to make those only if you’ve had no knowledge/interaction with that particular group.
**As for someone posting that’s it’s the media, Chris Rock once said “when I’m at an ATM late at night, I’m not looking over my shoulder for the media” and I believe that is true.**
August 14, 2008 at 4:43 pm
Though what he said is pretty inappropriate, you have to remember, Seungri is still young. Though he’s a celebrity, no one said that he was a mature one…
He might have regretted saying it on air later, who knows? But you’ll have to forgive him for that one.
August 14, 2008 at 6:23 pm
its not a matter of forgiving or not. it’s the fact that he lives in a society in which he’s not afraid to say something racist like that in public AND no one really cares that he said. Being young is hardly an excuse
August 14, 2008 at 9:05 pm
Shall we all just claim it as ignorance that could be improved upon and move on?
August 15, 2008 at 12:10 am
yea this was so long ago i think we can move on now. But I hate people trying to pretend that he wasn’t in the wrong.
Seriously, I’m surprised that i still get comments on this post lol
August 15, 2008 at 5:14 pm
That’s what I was thinking when I saw it.
I was kinda like “… wow. Really?”
Are you excited to watch the global auditions? I’m excited to hear what you have to say about it. I really want to be there just to laugh at the awkardness of the models free posing :]
September 10, 2008 at 9:59 pm
I agree with Chaos,, let’s just hope he doesn’t do it again. =) capishe?
November 15, 2008 at 9:18 pm
i thought his comment was funny. i mean everyone does some sort of stereotyping once in awhile. besides this happened awhile ago…move on yea?
November 15, 2008 at 9:24 pm
Haha, I wrote this post months ago. You’re the one who’s late on commenting lol
November 30, 2008 at 8:06 pm
i dont think its that bad. Im a black dude and am a fan of all korean music, but what he said is only because of what he knows. We are portayed as what he said and some blacks demonstrate it. I have been told by alot of white people that im an oreo because i dont act all tough and im not in the “gangs” of black people at school. i just fit in, it depends on what he is exposed to, but im sure if he gets to know me that he would regret he said that.
December 3, 2008 at 1:58 pm
LMAO! Okay, though that was a dumb comment it’s not totally incorrect. These people learn from what they hear, they don’t know any better. Not only that but if you have a good reason then it makes sense. I make JOKES like that as well since where I live all African American people will probably try to shoot you if you don’t give them sexual favors. You dig? When you’ve been exposed to that kind of environment you have no choice but to assume. Like all you Americans assume that any foreigner might hijack a plane. You shouldn’t criticize something like this when you’re doing the same thing, it’s hypocritical. He probably just based that off of what he heard from Americans and on TV. Think about it, if you heard something like – “Koreans with tattoos are all gangsters” You’d probably be all aware too, since you don’t know any better.
BTW-This is directed to the people’s comments, not the writer of this blog.
December 3, 2008 at 11:09 pm
I know this is an OLD post and people probably already moved on but i just want to say what I thought and what my AA friends thought before.
When I showed this to my African American friends, Im really surprised that they didn’t think of it as racist comment. Almost like no reaction at all. But one of them said “America should realize this first”. And then we moved on.
On my part, I’m offended on behalf of my friends and also disappointed because I thought they understand African Americans better than just what they see or hear about them. But for some reason I couldn’t blamed him as well. And I agree that he should have probably “APOLOGIZE” at that time,.
anyways hopefully with Obama as our president, people would start realizing that each of us no matter what WE ARE, WE AND THE PEOPLE AROUND US DESERVE RESPECT.
December 29, 2008 at 4:50 pm
wow…I read the ENTIRE thing…and only halfway through did I actually realise what Maknae had said….when i read the article, I thought Seung Ri said…good he was Caucassian and not A.A or else he might have been shot…well I understood that as *ahem* Good the guy was Caucassian(cuz Seung Ri is okay with them) and not African American or else HE(seung ri!) might have shot him instead of apologising *dumb, i know*
So i was HUGELY disapointed thinking…Oh…what does he mean he’ll shoot the guy? then I understood and im like O_O ohhhhhh THAT way…
But still…what he said was still wrong…he should have apologised on the spot….like you craack a lame joke and no one laughs and you say ’sorry’
that would have been acceptable…but Im sure…being the way he is….when he must’ve reached home and tought about the interview and realised what he’d said…he must’ve been like o_O wtf did i say? plus, i dont think the other members would’ve kept quiet…they must have told him off….especially the CEO of YG ent. cuz that guy is super scary…
Well….a mistake is a mistake….we can blame the media, we can blame the background he comes from….but he said that anyway…I, for one…forgive him…cuz being a 16 year old immature(in the ignorant way) he must’ve got a telling off for his mistake….and being a 16 year old myself, I have NO IDEA how many times a day I make a stereotypical lame joke about my own country or any other…But reading this article, when i realised how disappointed I was…now I know that even Im wrong…But Im not racist and neither is Seung Ri…cuz during the time when Big Bang used to be in training…They had an A.A guy as their choreographer…so he obviously knows that they are not all the same…He was TRYING to be funny by cracking a joke based on the general impression…and looks like it wasnt all that funny….But oh well, Im sure he regrets it now…cuz he’s not that type who would be against anyone or try to hurt them… I forgive Baby Ri….
gosh….i wrote too much…sorry =D
December 29, 2008 at 4:55 pm
So Many Typos!!!! How pathetic =S
January 7, 2009 at 1:41 am
Hey guys. yes, this is an incredibly old issue. it was like, 2 years ago. but ive been reading your comments and some of you seem really deeply offended by this matter…
but have any of you actually watched the show where he said this? I have. And actually on the show, it was meant as a joke……yes, an unnecessary and distasteful one, and he really shouldn’t have said it at all……..but he said it in a lighthearted way and everyone laughed, including the radio host and the rest of big bang. and im 100% sure he didn’t mean it.. because SR respects and idolizes African American artists. he even says some of his favorite artists include omarion and ne-yo & more. and the choreographer he and big bang worked with was black. so obviously he isn’t racist. and i doubt he really thinks black people are violent, or else he wouldn’t work with them or idolize them. he was saying that as a joke because its a popular stereotype in korea, at least that’s how it seemed like on the show. like for example, im sure most of you have made a joke about stereotypes before, WITHOUT really meaning it or being a racist. that doesn’t make SeungRi RIGHT to say it, but i really don’t think he’s racist. i think you guys should jsut watch the radio show.. im not even sure where the video is anymore, but if you do some research someone’s bound to find it
January 15, 2009 at 2:58 am
I think we’re all aware of how the media PORTRAYS blacks, but any normal person would know that that is not how they really are (the media tends to show minorities resisting arrest twice as much, or for example, commiting crimes more).
I think people have every right to be offended. Not only was it an ignorant/racist comment but it’s a bit ironic. You’re scared of black people/don’t trust black people, yet you’re sampling their music? I think that if you’re going to go as far as borrow black culture, you need to atleast like black people.
Saying that you idolize and respect black artist/dancers/people doesn’t mean you aren’t ignorant. there are tons of people who, for example, listen to BB and say racist comments about Asians. I’ve know a ton of people who listen to reggaeton yet don’t like Hispanic culture or people. Anything that helps promote discrimination/rascim isn’t funny.
Even though this is old I’m still disappionted. His actions are kind of, how do you say it, …backwards?
January 17, 2009 at 4:43 pm
hmmmm reading this and knowing it was a long time..i don’t know what to think anymore about asians… well actually the rest of the worlds view on african americans. I mean i seriously tried to reason it out, and I came to the conclusion that ppl need to be educated more on the issue of race. America seems to have been getting better at recognizing race and not being stupid, but the rest of the world needs to catch up…seriously if big bang wants to debut in america they either need to tell seun-gri to shut up and not say dumb jokes or not debut at all…if he had said that joke in america..there would be such a huge backlash at him…u kno? That said he needs to learn what is appropriate and not…if he hasn’t already. At the same time, along with the issue of Taeyeon (however u spell her name..the chick from snsd) ppl need to have a broader sense of view esp in this time where anyone can hear what u say at any time…still think she and seungri should not have said those things..as for me i’ll just have to continue to ponder when color won’t be the basis on how ppl will judge others…
January 22, 2009 at 5:39 am
[...] what Taeyeon said and what these girls said is that Taeyeon said it on national radio and like the Seungri incident, figured that everyone would either agree or not care that such a statement was made (or maybe both [...]
January 22, 2009 at 4:14 pm
Okay if it was a joke then it was a stupid one! Clearly some people (fans) are trying to make the issue seem innocent, but it’s not. And I hate it when ppl say “oh they love usher, and they love singing his songs blah blah,” well that doesn’t make it alright to make dumba$$ racist comments and not correct it. He needs to learn how to respect other races because if what i read is true, about this group coming to America, then I can guarantee you this issue will be brought up. And the fact that they are a hiphop/r&b group makes it worst.
Oh crap I hadn’t realize this issue was old haha oh well…*walks away*
January 26, 2009 at 5:41 pm
”he says that he was happy the guy was Caucasian and not African-American because he might have gotten shot”
that asshole better sleep with one eye open -__-
February 3, 2009 at 3:22 am
i agree with you.
I am caucasian & i love asian culture. I have an asian boyfriend. The amount of times i have people ask me bullshit like “does he have a small dick?” or “ohh he’s asian?.. they are a very gentle race”. WTF!?
How could you have the he audacity to even ask that in the first place!?
& have you not heard of the yakuza? the triads? since when are they exclusively ‘gentle’!?
& whilst what seung ri said was totally inappropriate, i think he was trying to make a joke. Unsuccessful yes, but for some reason i just can’t see that comment in the same light as say.. what tae yeon said. I think he was just trying to be funny.
People who say crap like that are the ones who don’t know ANYTHING about the culture they are ripping on. I’d just put it down to ignorance/idiocy, no matter how angry it makes you.
February 10, 2009 at 2:07 pm
I just got into Big Bang and went on a google-ing spree to find out more info about them. This disappointed me and I went from being outraged to now being mildly offended. Yeah, I know it’s old news.. it’s more of a reflection of the culture this kid lives in. A culture that accepts appropriating black music but doesn’t actually respect blacks themselves. It’s weird, to say the least.
I still love Tae & TOP though. <3
February 14, 2009 at 9:06 am
I think racism happens everywhere, and these statements should never be taken that seriously no matter where you are. If you take it seriously, you will never be happy. If a person from another race said that a person i respect from my race is beautiful for that particular race, I would say thank you!
Why think these statements in such a pessimistic way? This is why a lot of riots happen! RACIAL RIOTS HAPPEN BECAUSE ONE PARTICULAR RACE CANNOT LET GO AND THINK THAT EACH STATEMENT MADE BY ANOTHER IS AN INSULT!
February 14, 2009 at 12:32 pm
June Low,
Really….
Look up the LA Race Riots. Do you think that happened because one guy called someone else a racist slur?
No, not really.
February 14, 2009 at 2:36 pm
June Low,
*sigh*
Just from your comment I can tell you don’t exprience much racism (if any at all). Racism needs to be stopped, not forgotten about. Otherwise it will be worse then it was before. There are (violent) race-based HATE groups/gangs against people simply because of the color of theur skin skin and they aren’t dying down (in fact, I’d argue that they are getting stronger). Ignorant thinking causes ignorant people. I’ve had black friends (I’m bringing them up because the comment was about black people) who:
- have had people laugh and make comments to them when they buy somethign expensive. these people are usually infering that the product was STOLEN.
- were walking across the street, had a man call her the N-word and speed up as if he was trying to hit her & her other black friends.
- aren’t allowed to go over to friends house because of race
- get watched in stores
-are talked down to and commented on how “well spoken” and “well mannered” they were when they wouldn’t do that nto another race
- get treated worse by how dark they are
- are avoided by little children because of the color of their skin
- aren’t approached by older people or people in other races by the color or tone of their skin
- aren’t given jobs in certain areas because of the color of their skin
- had the cops called on them because they were “in the wrong neighborhood”
- had been arrested because they “looked like someone who had robbed a bank/stolen a womans purse” (the criminal in this case was white)
- have been beaten, profiled, and/or been killed by cops (a distant relative)
…and you want to sit here and act as if it isn’t a big deal?
The wasy the media protrays people predicts how people will act towards another. Racism helps foster low self-esteem and even more racism. I’ve met blacks who act like the sterotypical black person because it’s all they’ve seen and it’s the only thing they see on t.v. Also, there’s some stat (i’m sure you can google it) about how Black males are falsely arrested/jailed more then other races. The reason? I would assume b/c of racism. A good article to look up would be about Daryl Hunt (idk if I spelled his name right).
As for the L.A riots, 60% of the people were white & hispanic (although the media made it out to be different). There had been racial tensions for quite some time, and with good reason. White cops were trigger happy and it wasn’t unheard of to see them beating or arresting a minority with little to no reason at all. *Some* store owners would go into poor areas, where the people needed the merchandise and then continue to bump up the price…causing tension (racial tension probably came in when the buyers were rude b/c of the price and treatment and the sellers were rude b/c of the treatment and actions by the buyers). Things were bound to explode.
I suggest you learn about what everyone in America and other diverse countries go through. Racism might exist everywhere, but it doesn’t make it right.
February 19, 2009 at 6:32 pm
wooooow
February 23, 2009 at 11:50 am
I find it strange that Seung Ri would make a comment like that when the genre of music he sings was created by Black Americans. It saddens me because I am Black and I love Big Bang (every member). I adore Seung Ri and for him to say something like that is highly unattractive.
February 24, 2009 at 6:20 pm
i dont think seung ri is rascist im black and me and my friends talk like that (sometimes). But still anybody could be rascist but im just saying that comment was sort of….. off a little bit but not such a big deal. I still like him as much as i did a second ago!
February 25, 2009 at 1:28 pm
I’m half black & Korean, that comment was ignorant but not shocking. I’ve heard worse when I actually went to Korea. This puts me off from Big Bang, I have to admit.
I thought he’d have more respect for black people since he seems to have jacked their style.
March 23, 2009 at 5:45 pm
Wow what a stupid, ignorant Korean artiste…singing our music and yet still racist against us?? I never thought it was possible until now!! Words can’t describe the illogic of it!!
Well, that’s all right. That’s why when they go ove to the States trying so hard to get famous, they’ll never be accepted. Yeah, better stay in Korea because if you come over with your stupid racist attitude…maybe you SHOULD get shot after all. What goes around, comes around baby!
March 26, 2009 at 11:45 am
Racism is still such an intense topic even today. (Yeah I know this post is decades old but what the heck). SeungRi (then) just like many others are suffering from a lack of true exposure to a culture. If I only watched KDramas I might get the idea that Korean people are highly emotion persons, with a tendency to develop fatal diseases. I would know nothing about what Korean people are really like. Even after watching variety shows and listening to music I can honestly say I have no idea what Korean people are all about. The image that I have is one cultivated by what I am exposed too, combined to what I can find translated into English. Even if I listen to it in Korean I really can’t understand it so other than watching it does me no good.
SeungRi is the same way I haven’t heard of him spending any real time in America with Americans. How would he know what Americans are like, by watching TV, Movies and listening to translated music. Like many others said African Americans are not accurately portrayed in America, which I only know because I live here, and I’m African American. How would SeungRi know that. Maybe he has dealt with a few dance instructors and/or producers but to him they must seem like the exception to the rule. He wouldn’t think that YG would bring a dangerous person into the studio. Even if he took the time to research online how much positive African American information would he find translated into Korean.
I am in no ways saying that he was right, but I think people are finding it strange, or think that he is stupid. Many people in America thought and still think African Americans are inferior the 50’s are not that long ago. America has grown because we have a large positive African American population living here. Korea not so much, they need time to learn and grow just like we did. Hopefully globalization will help spread a positive image of all races in the future, and eliminate stereotypes.
March 26, 2009 at 11:46 am
I still love Big Bang, although SeungRi is not my favorite not because of this though, in general hes just meh to me.
March 28, 2009 at 3:16 pm
you spelled “there” incorrectly. you said “their”
April 3, 2009 at 1:47 pm
It’s human nature to be racist to somebody else….. in Korea it’s common….. i guess that some people would have sort stereotype against african american….. SEUNG RI STILL MY FAVORITE MEMBER…. SEUNG RI IS THE WHOLE REASON WHY I LIKE BIG BANG!!!!!!!!!
April 4, 2009 at 1:46 am
Panda_ri,
I totally respect your opinion, but… (I’m sure you know whats coming)
I’ve worked in a nursery for several years. One thing I learned is that it’s NOT natural to be racist, maybe to be selfish or predjudice, but not racist. Racism is a learned trait. The average child that came to the nursery could have cared less what race the kid was with the goldfish or the new shiny toy, all they knew was that for that moment, that kid was the coolest in the room (and nothing would sotp them from befriending them or asking to use their toy). Most kids didn’t care what someones hair texture was or the color of their skin. If one kid refused to play with another it had more to do with them having on their “least favoritest” color or having a toy that they wanted. However, there were always a few kids who would refuse to hang out with the asian/black/white/hispanic kids. And one thing I noticed was that their parents were often the same wya. Kids pick up what their parents do, and I learned a lot about these childrens home life through their actions (and sometimes through their big mouths). So when a certain kid would strongly protest/always pitch a fit when he had to sit next to the black kid or work with him on a project we often found (90% of the time) that the parents were a bit racist themselves.
If racism was natural, it wouldn’t have such “unnatural” events placed around it (i.e: murder,rape,etc.). If you claim racism is “natural” then Hitler wasn’t in the red for hating all jewish people, it was okay to place all Japanese in camps after Japan bombed America, and that slavery/discrimination is (to an extent) “okay” becuase the cause behind all of it is “natural”. I don’t feel like it’s natural to look down on anyone becuase of the color of their skin, but hey, to each his own. if you’re okay with people dishing it, be okay with eating it.
Now, if you mean to say that being predjudice is natural, I may agree with that. but everything must be taken in small amounts. Being sad is “natural”. however, if you are sad all the time it’s called “depression” and you end up being a risk to yourself (and sometimes others around you). Agression/anger is natural, but too much and you can find yourself in jail. predjudice, is natural…but too much and you find yourself being extremaly ignorant/hurtful (and, depending on how racist you are, a risk to others around you…not to mention yourself).
To be honest, I’ve got nothing against SeungRi. This was some time ago and I’m sure his opinion has changed (well, I hope). If it hasn’t, it’s a bit messed up that he continues to use a Black style of music and dress to express himself. I can see why you like him, he’s a fairly attractive individual. But that shouldn’t take away from the comment he made. An ignorant ocmment usually reflects an ignorant person. I lost a lot of respect for him when I first read this comment, and in fact, he’s one of the few things I’m not really crazy about when it ocmes to BB. But like I said earlier, it was some time ago. He did apologize, or atleast that’s what I was told…and I hope he meant it. He really needs to learn that judging people because of their skin is wrong (joke or not).
April 4, 2009 at 1:48 am
**sorry for the typos.
April 13, 2009 at 6:40 pm
Wow. I read ALL comments. From reading what Seung Ri said, it did infact turn me off. I don’t hate him for his ignorant comment, but I’m not as crazy over him as I use to be. I live in America, I’m mixed (Black and Asian), and i was a little offended, for both A.A’s and Koreans. Recently, I’ve noticed some of my friends think racism is somewhat acceptable when it’s not their race (although they haven’t told me that exactly, I noticed when a once ‘friend’ of mine told me straight up they were racist against a race (specific details aren’t really needed…) and I told a good friend of mine about the matter and although it wasn’t my race, I did happen to be close with people from that racial group (although, racism is racism, I’m offended either way, even if I don’t know anyone from that particular race), and my friend brushed it off and told me EVERYONE is racist, I started to argue with the ignorant statement she made. Everyone is prejudice is a more logical statement that so say everyone is racist. But when it came to someone being racist to her, she in turn got highly offended and angry about the matter, in my opinion, she’s just being hypocritical
). Could it be that I’m from a diverse family and I’ve been raised with proper morals, and although I do hear a lot of anger comments to a particular race、I dismiss it as a matter of ignorance, and stick to my own personal morals, RACISM IS RACISM and shouldn’t be defended in any way. There’s no excuse for it. Racism is always a controversial topic…
For the record, I am a 14yr old female and live in NY, NY.
So yeah. That’s my two cents. And yes it was long ago, apologized for (maybe, I’m not sure) but just because “everyone make mistakes” you are willing to dismiss your morals and views on how offending this has been ? As one person said, racism does not need to be forgotten, but to be stopped.
*** I’m not sure if i depicted myself for being myopic because I didn’t fully take into consideration where he’s coming from. I do infact, but once again, it’s not really an excuse to make just a joke/comment.
Racist/ Stereotypical jokes only promote more.
xD I wrote alot, i only meant to say two lines… opps.
April 13, 2009 at 6:41 pm
I wonder how things like that can’t flow out of me when I need it… like when i have to write a 20 page paper XD.
Nice commenting
.
April 13, 2009 at 6:43 pm
So long ago, and I’m just sorta finding out xD.
(Yep a 3rd comment in the same day)
Eh, I do not wish to per sue that matter, just wanted to comment.
So don’t hunt me down telling me it’s old news.
April 16, 2009 at 11:11 pm
lol!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
that ticlkles me
(even though i shouldn’t be laughin cuz its not funny)
it makes him even cuter
he’s soo clueless
April 24, 2009 at 3:52 pm
i love seungri no mather what he is my love
July 6, 2009 at 1:35 am
I agree with Noelani
Whatt Seungri said was very ignorant. And I really hope he learned his lesson. I’m African American, and it really gets under my skin that so many other people use my culture with out first knowing the origins of it or respecting my people. It’s basically taking with out asking and being ungrateful for it. I really think that the main reason that people who don’t live in america has such a negative view of African Americans, Is because of how we are portrayed by the white media here. They are 100% in control of what goes out and there fore should be monitoring what they put out but they don’t. This is because they like to see that other people hating on each other. And if we are all to busy fighting with each others the white majority can keep their hold over the world. This is exactly how they want it to be. So once we stop fighting with each other and start learning, respecting, and working together there will always be a problem. We need to CORRECT this problem not overlook it.
July 6, 2009 at 1:37 am
~~sorry for the typos