Popular Third-Gen Male Idol Says N-Word — His Reaction To Criticism Triggers Heated Reactions

K-Pop has been hit with a string of controversies regarding idols, including using the n-word and cultural appropriation.

Leaked videos of BLACKPINK saying the n-word sparked huge anger…

Allegedly Leaked Videos Of BLACKPINK Saying The N-Word Surface Online

Followed by KISS OF LIFE‘s cultural appropriation in a recent live.

KISS OF LIFE Under Fire For Cultural Appropriation In Birthday Livestream

Amid the string of controversies surrounding the n-word, netizens were furious when KARD‘s BM said the word when singing along to a song.

matthew (BM) on live singing dmx & the only lyrics he know is where the hood at .. and niggas 😭 .. bro … i swear we cannot catch a singular break. pic.twitter.com/OWkeSlk4jz

— hwa’s dani 𝜗𝜚 (@nichwita) April 7, 2025

Following the issue being shared online and the star being hit with criticism, especially as he was born and raised in America, BM went on TikTok Live and allowed fans to get involved so they could share their feelings on the situation and call him out.

bm said the n word and is letting fans check him for it rn 😪 pic.twitter.com/qp5JIBbOoh

— chichi ✭. (@KlRAKUNI) April 8, 2025

she clocked BM so bad 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/bSzBDILjE6

— J || SAW TXT || CBG1 ‏𑁍ࠬ (@soobikiniz) April 8, 2025

Yet, netizens had mixed reactions to the gesture.

Some praised the idol for his genuine response and rather than a vague apology, as many thought KISS OF LIFE did, they applauded his willingness to listen to the voices his actions impacted.

what do we feel about bm apologizing on tiktok live for saying nigga and allowing his black fans to speak on his tiktok live and actually let their voices be heard rather than dishing out an apology letter that doesn’t address the community he actually hurt

— ☆ (@khiawings) April 8, 2025

honestly, i’m hurt but also kind of proud (?) of BM for apologising so quickly and STRAIGHT to OUR COMMUNITY and even letting black fans talking on his live and everything

— 合 𝒆𝒍𝒚’ .☘︎ ݁˖🧃 (@chae4ely) April 8, 2025

idk if im bugging and like genuinely not even in a way to defend BM, but the way y’all were acting in that live with one of the few idols that was willingly open to listening to fans blew me just now.

— Soleil (@seungnmin) April 8, 2025

BM should have never even had the thought to fix his lips to say the n word HOWEVER, this may be one of the best that i’ve seen an idol not just apologize but actively LISTEN to who they have hurt. kiof take notes. pic.twitter.com/aPV7g19HR0

— dia || 5.26.25 🐦‍🔥❤️‍🔥 (@jeongiism) April 8, 2025

Yet, some still saw it as performative, adding that the idol was getting donations and gifts from the TikTok live that was meant to be an apology and that while they’re holding him accountable, they shouldn’t have to with someone like BM, who should know better.

bm literally grew up in la lmao, why are y'all wasting your breath trying to educate him on not using the n-word?? pic.twitter.com/l7HtUG3nDu

— °°𝓶𝓼°°la edgehead☆⋈ (@_shownusofty) April 8, 2025

Guys u know what I realised…BM is actually getting donations for this live😭😭😭😭he could turn that off HES GETTING A BAG FOR THIS

— Deans pr manager 🪐 (@thenigginjoon) April 8, 2025

and seein black ppl on live with bm trying to “hold him accountable” is just so tired. bm is thirty sumn years old, speaks full blown english, and has a predominantly black fandom. like what the hell are y’all doin pic.twitter.com/ymqe492GvE

— lap warming connoisseur | HWADAY (@saaniescheeks) April 8, 2025

bm being on tiktok live getting “advice” from his black fans while also receiving gifts and shit from the live…. pic.twitter.com/Q6K33BBOI8

— fruitiano da vante (@angryblckw0man) April 8, 2025