KCON USA Officially Responds To Racist Job Posting, But Netizens Aren’t Buying It
KCON USA has responded to an overtly racist job posting.
KCON is one of the biggest Hallyu-centered music festivals in the world. The hottest K-Pop artists headline the yearly international events with thousands of fans in attendance.
Like most large festivals, temporary workers are hired for the three-day event. Job websites, such as Backstage, which is also used for film, TV shows, etc., are utilized.
So, seeing a job posting for the upcoming KCON USA was no surprise. Yet, the job description shocked and disappointed netizens as it requested not only young women aged 18 to 30 but also ethnicity “Asian, White/European Descent” as requirements.
It’s not the first time KCON USA has posted a similar job post. Still, last year, the requirements for ethnicity and gender were broader.
It would make sense if it were for an acting role as one would play a specific character which is common to see on Backstage. Yet, none of this should matter for an average event staff position.
me not being qualified to work kcon bc im not asian nor white…. @Backstage RACIST WEIRDOS pic.twitter.com/pO4xLDPI0N
— amber misses dream (@cuitknj) July 17, 2023
Netizens found KCON USA’s job posting alarming and racist. So, it made many uncomfortable to attend the event if it were based on discriminatory policies. Additionally, some even pointed out legal issues, citing different acts that KCON USA’s job posting’s description violated.
Kcon is actually racist as hell wtf pic.twitter.com/sdq4DCknH0
— m is meeting wayv & nct nation japan?! (@nanasbannanas) July 17, 2023
this literally goes against Title VII of Civil Rights Act of 1964 *AND* Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 😭😭😭😭😭 lawsuit looking real nice on y'all @KCON_official @kconusa https://t.co/jqRbbkIDPA
— lynn ✩₅ misses piwon | HOPE 🤓 DAY (@seolarflame) July 18, 2023
Hours later, KCON USA responded to the criticism via its official social media accounts. KCON USA had not authorized nor endorsed the posting. Also, KCON USA emphasized diversity and inclusivity has always been at its core, so it “strongly denounces” racism.
— KCONUSA (@kconusa) July 18, 2023
Still, netizens remained unconvinced. Some believed that KCON USA only addressed it once it went viral.
KCON USA released another statement regarding the matter. The organizers discovered an outside vendor hired had created the job posting. Read more below.
KCON USA Investigates Racist Job Posting, Terminating Relationship With Responsible Vendor
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