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 :]