Rising rookie group BOYNEXTDOOR is gaining attention online after members shared an uncomfortable experience during their recent trip to the United States — one that fans believe may point to racial discrimination. The boys went to perform at 2025 Lollapalooza in Chicago.
After the show, the boys hosted a live stream from the comfort of their rooms. The members casually recounted an incident at a restaurant that left them feeling unfairly treated. The restaurant had only served the water, telling them repeatedly to wait.
NOT ONCE BUT TWICE?! they refused to give services to them wtf is this
🐈🦦 no, we said can order now. they said to wait
🦦 then they go to other tables and take their order
🦦 then we asked again but they said to wait.
🐈⬛ isn't this discrimination? pic.twitter.com/erpcnGN7SI
— kiki ⛈️ (@bbibbiriwoo) August 4, 2025
They just didn’t come. No, so like, we called them over. They told us to wait, took orders from other tables, came and poured us water, told us to wait, and left again.
Riwoo
Leehan was quick to bring up the fact that it could possibly have been discrimination. The clip has since spread across online forums and social media, sparking discussion about the casual discrimination K-pop idols and Asian travelers may face abroad.
i hope they can name & shame this resto god fuck racist people https://t.co/aSOJt2963i
— juls ☁️ ⌗boylife ୨ৎ (@ihannaeyo) August 4, 2025
As many point out, racism in 2025 is incredibly backwards.
racism in the big year of 2025 is crazy https://t.co/f4UxgsP1CK pic.twitter.com/yJlfjfoqmU
— korra 🌦️ (@taesantial) August 4, 2025
BOYNEXTDOOR, known for their bright energy and fast-growing international fanbase, did not name the restaurant, and no further comment has been made by their agency.