Popular Korean Youtuber, Tzuyang with over 9 million subscribers received massive backlash after uploading a racially insensitive video mocking Filipino accent and appearance.
Korean Youtuber Tzuyang apologizes to Filipino viewers for her racist vlog
Korean blogger Tzuyang has issued an apology to her Filipino viewers amid controversy for a racially insensitive video.
In her statement, Tzuyang emphasized her profound respect for the Philippines and her Filipino viewers. Additionally, she acknowledged her oversight, admitting that she hadn't foreseen the video's potential harm.
"Gusto ko po mag sabi na marami po akong respeto [sa] Pilipinas at lagi naman po akong [n]ag papasalamat sa mga lahat ng viewers ko sa Pilipinas. Pero hindi po ako napansin na itong content ngayon ay pwede maging offensive sa ibang viewers," she said.
The video is now deleted, she said.
The mukbang episode in question shows Tzuyang visiting a Vietnamese restaurant to meet with South Korean comedian Kim Ji Young.
The comedian, introduced by Tzuyung as "Nitong" from the Philippines, was making fun of Filipino accents while speaking in broken Korean. In character, Kim Ji Young depicts Nitong as a Filipina who moved to Korea to wed a Korean farmer because she was eager to live there and experience life in Korea.
“Hello. I am Ni Tong, and I have a beautiful smile. I was formerly the wife of a farmer, but now I am a comedian.” Ji Young said during the vlog.
After it was uploaded, it received a lot of backlash and criticism from Tzuyung's viewers, including Filipinos.
"This isn't funny...As a Filipino, there's no such name as Nitong in the Philippines...You should've done better research before pretending to be Filipino and using the Philippines flag...this is low and this is blatant racism... If you want to have a Filipino guest, you should invite a real Filipino and eat Filipino food," a Pinoy viewer commented.
"Our accent is not a joke and should never be laughed at,” another viewer shared.
Some Korean viewers, meanwhile, supported the Filipino followers by criticizing the vlogger and expressing their outrage.
"My Filipino friend is a big fan of yours and really likes you. The thought of them watching this video breaks my heart…," one user commented.
Tzuyang is a popular content creator known for sharing mukbang videos on her YouTube channel with over 9 million subscribers.
Kim Ji Young has yet to issue a statement.