The cast of NBC’s popular program The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon has issued an apology following controversy over racially insensitive remarks made during a recording featuring BTS.
TMZ reported on March 25th that Seth Herzog, a pre-show host for the program, made a joke to the audience, saying, “Anybody here from the North? No? Nobody?” — a comment referencing North Korea.
The remark came during an improvised segment in which Herzog asked audience members where they were from. However, some attendees criticized the joke as racially insensitive toward BTS.
The issue quickly spread on social media, sparking backlash online. Some netizens called for an apology, also pointing to Herzog’s past social media posts that allegedly included derogatory remarks about Asians.
this is the man who was racist toward bts on jimmy fallon.. and of course it’s a white man. pic.twitter.com/r0AYE1YbaZ
— rim ✦ (@bratzlibra) March 25, 2026
not only did you think it was okay to split the audience for the SWIM performance, only allowing ppl who YOUR staff thought deserved to see it based on who knows? (looks) even though their was enough room for all…
your emcee also thought it would be okay to make a racist ass…
— Jung Kirk is seeing BTS (@peachiikoo) March 25, 2026
i’m sorry but your staff/emcee needs to fix their fucking attitude/blatant racism
“which one of them is north korean?”
excuse me what the fuck?? @FallonTonight
— tram anh⁷ IS SEEING BTS (@gazedkth) March 25, 2026
Seth Herzog is who made that racist and extremely ignorant “joke” about bts, his twt is @Thezog . Do whatcha will with that information
— Ash ᵇᵗˢ ⟭⟬ (@svnbangtan_x) March 25, 2026
TMZ reported, citing sources, that Herzog later apologized to BTS over the incident. NBC officials also acknowledged the situation and reportedly held a meeting with Herzog. However, TMZ added that Herzog’s side has not yet responded to requests for an official statement.
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