James Corden recently cracked an ageist joke about BTS fans and they are not having it.
On his show The Late Late Show with James Corden, the host talked about BTS’s visit to the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Corden had posted the clip on social media but it has since been deleted.
He said that the United Nations had “quite the unusual visitors,” referring to South Korean boy band BTS.
Corden went on to say that the world leaders “have no choice but to take BTS seriously,” because the South Korean boy band “has one of the largest armies on planet Earth.”
The comedian started trending on Twitter as fans spoke out about his remark on the boy band being “unusual visitors” at the UN. But that’s not the end of it — the next part of the comedian’s joke really struck a nerve with the Army: Corden said, “Historic moment. It actually marks the first time 15-year-old girls everywhere found themselves wishing they were Secretary General of the United Nations António Guterres.”
Didn't really expect James Corden to say some bs about BTS. How is he gonna talk about BTS performing & attending UNGA when he's literally demeaning them by calling their presence unusual and our fandom a bunch of 15 y/o girls? Smh I'm disappointed af https://t.co/TnangRpa24
— zoey⁷ 💜 | My Universe 🌌 soon 🥺 (@taekmyhandsnow) September 21, 2021
https://twitter.com/jhobiekiss/status/1440432530897793025?s=20
The Army was offended by Corden’s ageist remark and pointed out that about half of the fandom are actually in their 20s and 30s, so the comedian’s joke was very stereotypical.
on not only multiple occasions but WHENEVER they have the opportunity to. it’s so annoying that all this fucking loser @JKCorden will see them for is their dancing and “15 year old fans”. literally drop that shit, half of us are in our 20s and 30s.
— rahma !? (@jhobiekiss) September 21, 2021
Some fans have expressed their disappointment as the comedian doesn’t seem to understand and recognize the boy band’s past achievements despite having featured them on his show multiple times.
In fact, Corden had been close enough with the band to have earned the nickname “Papa Mochi.” Corden’s nickname is from his being close with band member Jimin, whose nickname is “Mochi.” Corden’s “Papa Mochi” nickname used to be included on the comedian’s Twitter bio, but it has been removed.
One fan spoke out against those who are trying to defend Corden, pointing out that the comedian is quite close with the boy band, so he is aware of the “prejudices” that they have to face.
To the people defending James Corden´s "joke"
1. he knows BTS well and he also knows what prejudes they have to deal with aka can´t be taken seriously because of their fandom
2. just as any discrimination shouldn´t be used for jokes, mysoginy shouldn´t either!
— Nina∞⁷🐳💜🐙 (@najisujhojitajk) September 22, 2021
Given Corden’s remark on BTS being an unusual visitor of UN and his ageist joke towards BTS Army, fans are now clamoring to cancel Papa Mochi.
james corden is now in army's black book. he used armys and bts for clout idc
— min sarah (@tanseok) September 21, 2021
Papa Mochi no more. James Corden talked about BTS appearance at the UNGA in his show and he thinks the UN guesting BTS was an “unusual” and “weird” experience by BTS "visiting" the UNGA, he also called ARMYs a bunch of "15 years old GIRLS"#BTSatUNGA #BTS #방탄소년단 pic.twitter.com/j3VjKOoHej
— Ms.Grett🖤 (@snow0613_) September 22, 2021
A lot of fans have also come to the boy band’s defense, mentioning BTS’ previous accomplishments, such as launching the Love Myself campaign, speaking up about hate crimes and racism, and making big donations to several international and local causes. One fan also pointed out that BTS aren’t “unusual visitors,” as their recent visit was already their third time speaking at the UN.
bts: launched the love myself campaign, spoke about hate crimes and racism, donated to many causes both international and local, promoting eco friendly cars as well as culture and art, etc
james corden: so unusual why theyre at the UN
— Liane⁷❀ (@unotaehyung) September 22, 2021
to call bts an "unusual guests" is so disrespectful. it was was their THIRD time speaking at the UN?!? & calling out armys a bunch of "15 yr old girls" the stereotype, smh. so disappointed. i expected way better from james corden. u don't deserve bts & army. no more papa mochi!!
— margaux⁷ 🪐 (@__intobangtan) September 22, 2021
Now that the Army wants to cancel Corden, some have brought up Jimmy Fallon and even remark that they want him to be the new Papa Mochi because he is also close with the boy band.
I JUST HOPE THAT JIMMY FALLON WILL NEVER BE LIKE THE ELLEN SHOW AND JAMES CORDEN.
BTS TRUSTED THEM SO MUCH BUT THEY ALL GOT IS ANOTHER CLOUT CHASER… SO JIMMY FALLON IS OUR NEW PAPA MOCHI 👀
And You @JKCorden Remove Papa Mochi from your bio😏 pic.twitter.com/Jl4MF1pgM4— BTS💜 (@BTSOT7_TAEKOOK) September 22, 2021
I mean i love how jimmy fallon is not loud as fan of bts unlike james corden a loud fan of bts but also a clout chaser pic.twitter.com/mlHfCke0os
— JaiBlue 💙✨ (@Lu_Shia97) September 22, 2021
As of writing, Corden has yet to issue an apology.
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