US comedian Seth Herzog apologises over ‘offensive’ BTS joke

BTS members perform during their comeback concert in Seoul, South Korea, on Saturday.

Photo: AP A joke made on a major US talk show has triggered backlash just as BTS prepares for a high-profile American television return – prompting a swift apology from a comedian caught at the centre of the controversy.

Seth Herzog, a resident comedian on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, came under fire after making an improvised remark during a Wednesday taping.

While warming up the audience, Herzog asked, “Anyone here from the North?” – a line reportedly intended as a general question about audience origins.

However, some attendees interpreted the comment as referencing North Korea in relation to the K-pop band, sparking accusations of insensitivity and racial undertones.

Audience members took to social media to share their discomfort, with several posts describing the remark as “offensive” and “inappropriate”.

The backlash quickly gained traction online, amplified by BTS’ global fan base and the group’s ongoing promotional activities.

According to US outlet TMZ, Herzog later apologised directly to BTS as criticism mounted.

The broadcaster is also said to have discussed the incident internally with the comedian.

Despite the backlash, BTS’ scheduled appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon proceeded as planned.

The appearance marks the group’s first full-group return to the show in five years, following the release of its fifth studio album Arirang last Friday.

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