Cultural Insight

[Anchor Lead]

Controversy is brewing over a TV show host in Greece that has ridiculed the looks of Korean male idol singers. Although the host issued an apology on her social media account, but the controversy does not appear to be subsiding.

[Pkg]

A TV show host in Greece has ridiculed the looks of Korean male idol singers, even triggering a controversy over racial discrimination. According to the footage released, the TV program which aired last Friday was discussing the 2018 list of the 100 most handsome men in the world announced by TC Candler. Observing the photos of Korean singers on the list such as BTS's V and Jungkook, EXO's Sehun and Kang Daniel of Wanna One, the Greek host made insulting remarks such as the rankings are all wrong. The host and the panel members are also known to have described the facial features of Korean and Chinese people that could well have been viewed as racially discriminatory. K-pop fans from around the world who saw the footage immediately demanded an apology from the TV show. The host eventually posted an apology on her social media but the controversy does not appear to be subsiding. Sources say that actress Megan Fox, known for her appearance in "Transformers," visited Korea on January 6. The actress reportedly came to Korea to film a new movie entitled "Jangsa-ri 9.15." The shoot has already begun in Namyangju, Gyeonggi-do Province. "Jangsa-ri 9.15" is set during the Korean War. It's a story about a landing operation that was conducted to ensure the success of the Battle of Incheon. Megan Fox plays war correspondent Marguerite Higgins, the first woman to receive the Pulitzer Prize for covering the Korean war. In the movie, Megan Fox stars opposite Korean actor Kim Myung-min. The production company of "Jangsa-ri 9.15" said that although Megan Fox appears in the movie only briefly, her role is charming and important enough to draw the attention of movie fans.