NBC Chicago uses BTS clip to talk about death of SHINee's Jonghyun
K-pop fans are slamming NBC after its Chicago station aired a clip of Korean boy band BTS during a segment about the death of Kim Jong-hyun, the lead vocalist of another group, SHINee.
During their morning news show on Tuesday (19 December), NBC Chicago reported Jonghyun’s death, but instead of showing a clip or photo of the SHINee member, they used footage of BTS on The Ellen Show.
The news anchor also reported that “the man (referring to Jonghyun)” was previously on The Ellen Show and The American Music Awards, when it was BTS that made those appearances.
Here is a short clip that a fan uploaded on YouTube:
Fans of both SHINee and BTS have reacted strongly, labelling the mistake as ‘disrespectful’, with many calling for a formal apology from the TV station.
This isn’t right @nbcchicago
You used BTS’s video clip in the background to report on SHINee Jonghyun’s passing
You’ve just disrespected both groups. At the worst possible time.
Video CR: M.R.R
Thank you to R.C.L for letting me know of this pic.twitter.com/FjntwxSIS9— mes #TeamPinky (@OH_mes) December 20, 2017
this is honestly so disrespectful like it doesn’t hurt to do some research, @nbcchicago couldn’t you guys do your job more professionally and search up jonghyun, you guys are making it seem like rm from bts was the one who passed away, you guy’s seriously need to apologise rn !!
— (@softvminn) December 20, 2017
@lolhahalolhaha just as bad as other western media news outlets reporting the wrong facts about him. Geez. They can report correctly on America, Britain, and the rest of the English speaking world, but when it comes to a death of a S.Korean singer, they half-ass their research..
— OLI #RIP_Jonghyun ❤ (@0livani) December 20, 2017
So…let me get this. They heard “kpop” and just decided to slap the only group they were aware of on to jonghyun’s segment and thought that was good enough………….
— stare (@curseul) December 20, 2017
Who tf did that pic.twitter.com/QNHDMmzQ3r
— ✨ (@its2lit) December 20, 2017
The 27-year-old Jonghyun was found unconscious in his Seoul apartment on Monday by the police, who have since ruled his death a suicide.
Celebrities and fans alike have taken to the internet to pay tribute to the singer. A private funeral will take place on Thursday.
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