Korean Show’s “Racist” Editing Of A Black Man Sparks International Outrage — The Truth Behind The Viral Clip

Through the years, as Korean media has expanded its global audience, viewers from diverse backgrounds have been able to watch content from the country. At times, however, Hallyu content has been criticized for controversial content, both intentional and not.

This includes offensive depictions of other nationalities and races.

Popular Korean Webtoon Introduces A Sudden, Extremely Racist Plotline — Publisher Responds To Criticism

Recently, on X, a clip from a Korean program has gone viral and sparked international outrage.

The short video from an unstated program shows a Black man dancing while surrounded by people. The clip freezes, and an overlay of a jungle setting featuring a monkey swinging across the screen is edited in.

get all black people out of korean media EXPEDITIOUSLY! i’m getting tired of this. pic.twitter.com/3SKJMlMpVy

— dr. workgeddon 🍉 (@atzwapt) August 29, 2024

The association of Black people, especially Africans, and living in jungles is a racist stereotype with a long background. Rather than specifically speaking down on those who may live in the jungle or nature, it presents the idea that Black people are “savages” that must either be defeated or educated.

It has been seen in media over the years, including in the original story of Tarzan.

The Triumph of Tarzan from The Blue Book Magazine, October 1931-March 1932. | Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc.

Black people have also been called monkeys as a racial slur that implies they are less evolved than other races.

As you can image, the clip has gone viral as many across the internet chime in their negative thoughts.

There is something every month that turns me off about Korea and I'm tired https://t.co/Bv1W70MM4G

— MS CHOI (@mswoosan) August 30, 2024

Sorry but at this point why are POC – especially black people & SE Asian people still idolizing Kpop? I don't understand. I have read so many nasty scandals involving the industry & the men inside. Their music is mostly ass it's really not worth it https://t.co/soD3T7fxcT

— Jen- Littol Sephiroth protector (@OrangeGirl84) August 30, 2024

This is literally 1920’s racism https://t.co/JWrl3ZbWhf

— Tracy’s NewJeans⁷🤍 (@ijbolhobi) August 29, 2024

Some have also questioned what is the exact story behind this clip, as no details have been given.

The video is from an episode of the program, My Neighbor Charles, a KBS series that places a spotlight on foreigners living in Korea. This specific scene is from episode 91 in 2016, and features Blaise and Angie, a couple originally from Cote d’Ivoire.

Angie (left) and Blaise (right)

The couple were on the country’s dance team and were invited to Korea. During their stay, the First Ivorian Civil War broke out and the couple decided to remain in Korea, where they got married and had three children.

The episode shows Blaise teaching a group of Koreans about music and dance from his home, and it is during this when the viral clip happened.

Besides this moment, it is worth noting that this, and other episodes of My Neighbor Charles, give a full look at the lives of foreigners that might not be known otherwise. The video was also from nearly 7 years ago, and while this is not an excuse, the program has not had similar instances go viral from recent episodes.

BLACKSWAN were actually featured on the program in 2023, and it was praised for giving a background look at the group.

While the arguably offensive depiction in the video is unacceptable, it does seem the program has changed in the years since this episode.