G-Dragon's Agency Apologizes for Culturally Insensitive Shirt at Macau Concert
G-Dragon's agency, Galaxy Corporation, has issued an apology after the K-pop star wore a culturally insensitive shirt during a performance in Macau. The apology addresses concerns over the shirt's offensive imagery and language.
G-Dragon's agency has issued an apology after the K-pop star wore a culturally insensitive shirt on stage at his K-Spark show in Macau, China.
In a statement on the BIGBANG member’s website on Sunday (May 3) — one day after the controversial performance — Galaxy Corporation expressed wanting to “sincerely apologize for the inappropriate wording featured” on the performer’s clothing. “This incident has once again reminded us of the importance of cultural sensitivity and responsible review,” the message read.
“We will thoroughly reassess and strengthen our internal review and verification processes, including styling and related internal processes, and move forward with a higher standard of global respect and responsibility,” it continued. “We remain committed to approaching all artist-related activities with greater thoughtfulness and accountability, while ensuring that the diverse cultural backgrounds and values of our global fans will always be respected.”
The statement ended with the agency once again apologizing to “everyone who was hurt or disappointed by this incident.”
The back of the shirt in question featured a Dutch racial term has been likened to the N-word. On the front of the tee, there appears to be an exaggerated, caricature-like image of a Black man.
Billboard has reached out to G-Dragon’s rep for comment.
The performer’s outing on Saturday (May 2) isn’t the first time he’s been accused of racial insensitivity. In 2013, he posted a photo of himself with his face completely painted black, which his spokesperson denied at the time was intended as blackface.
“[G-Dragon] was simply wearing different face paint colors, and this is a HUGE misunderstanding,” the rep told Spin at the time. “The face paint is only a color variation for his album cover which includes black, white and red. It is in no way meant to be a political or racial statement.”
Others online have shared what appear to be resurfaced photos of G-Dragon wearing the same shirt with the offensive Dutch term many years ago.
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