Comedian Seth Herzog, who is part of the opening team of NBC's popular talk show 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon', has drawn heavy criticism after making a joke deemed racist towards BTS.
According to a report from the American entertainment outlet TMZ on Wednesday (March 25, 2026), the incident began when Herzog was presenting the opening segment in front of a studio audience. He asked the audience, "Is there anyone here from the North? No one? Not a single one?"
While TMZ noted that the remark was initially intended as a variation on a lighthearted question about the audience's hometown, the context of BTS's guest appearance that night made the remark problematic.
Herzog allegedly referred to North Korea, an action deemed highly insensitive and offensive. Internationally, asking a person of Korean descent or a South Korean citizen, "Are you from North Korea?" is considered a form of racism and profound ignorance. BTS fans quickly voiced their protests on social media.
"This is an ignorant joke that demeans Korean history," wrote one fan. Many demanded an official apology from Herzog and The Tonight Show management. In response to the protests, Herzog reportedly issued a personal apology to the BTS members.
NBC executives are also reportedly aware of the situation and have had serious discussions with Herzog regarding the incident. This controversy comes amidst BTS's busy schedule, which recently celebrated their massive comeback.
Previously, on March 21, 2026, RM and his band members successfully greeted tens of thousands of fans at the "BTS Comeback Live: Arirang" concert held in the Gwanghwamun area of Seoul.
After their success in their hometown, they immediately went to New York to attend the 'Spotify x BTS: Swimside' event on March 23, 2026 and 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon' for two days, on March 25 and 26, 2026, to perform new songs from their latest album 'ARIRANG' along with interviews.
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