ENHYPEN’s Jake Given “Racist And Offensive” “Compliments” During A Video Call

Fans felt his identity was being erased.
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Koreaboo

Recently, ENHYPEN fans were left shocked by a fan’s allegedly racist and offensive comments to Jake during a video call.

ENHYPEN’s Jake | Weverse

ENHYPEN recently returned with Orange Blood and have been promoting their new release since, appearing on music shows and attending the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade. 

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The group also made their Good Morning America debut, though fans were left displeased by the show’s treatment of the group.

“Good Morning America” Under Fire For “Disrespecting” ENHYPEN On Live TV

The group have continued their promotions into December, holding fan signs, both in person and through video calls.  Fans have gotten some sought-after information from the members, like Jake’s favorite members of various idol groups.

Unfortunately, one fan call has gained attention for all the wrong reasons.

During one of his video calls, a fan gives Jake a long speech. The clip begins with her saying that Jake has grown up the most “among all the members,” a comparison many did not like, before mentioning an embarrassing moment from his time on I-Land.

Among all the members, you [have] grown up the most. I mean from the boy who drop[ped] his mic to the main vocal of ENHYPEN. Everytime I see you, like everytime I see you perform, I’m so proud of you.

— Fan

The fan dishes some compliments to Jake before making the comment that many have considered racist. The fan says that they are grateful to have the idol as a “foreigner member” among all the “Asian people with [an] Asian way of thinking.”

And I’m so glad we have you as a foreigner member in ENHYPEN. Because among all these Asian people with [an] Asian way of thinking, I’m so happy we have you. You are so easy going, so open minded.

— Fan

Many idols from English-speaking countries are known for differences in how they speak and act at times due to their upbringing, but many felt these comments disregarded Jake’s Asian identity as a Korean-Australian.

Some also felt the comments were racist in nature, grouping all Asians, including the other group members, under a negative, close-minded stereotype.

While the conservative nature of some countries, including Korea, has been discussed and criticized in the past regarding the social issues it causes, it is wrong to group all Asians in such a way as many fight for change.

While complimenting idols is encouraged when meeting them, fans often warn against doing it at the expense of others.

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