SEVENTEEN’s Joshua has found himself at the center of online controversy following his appearance at the 83rd Golden Globe Awards on January 10. While the event marked a historic moment for K-pop — with BLACKPINK’s Lisa presenting an award and Joshua attending as the first male idol guest — one of Joshua’s interview responses has sparked unexpected backlash.
Wearing a sleek black suit and Chaumet jewelry, Joshua graced the red carpet and participated in interviews with several outlets, including Billboard. During one segment, he was asked about the animated film KPop Demon Hunters, which has gained popularity for blending K-pop themes with Hollywood-style storytelling.
In response, Joshua said, “I’m really happy. It’s opening up new doors for K-pop. I can’t believe it got this big.” His comment, while seemingly supportive, was met with mixed reactions once shared online.
The interview was briefly posted on X (formerly Twitter) with a headline that emphasized Joshua’s praise for KPop Demon Hunters changing the trajectory of K-pop. However, the clip was later deleted, and the YouTube video was made private.
Some netizens interpreted his comment as diminishing the historic global impact made by BTS, accusing him of being dismissive or “disrespectful.” They argued that BTS had long since opened global doors for K-pop, and that framing KPop Demon Hunters as a turning point felt tone-deaf.
On the other hand, many fans defended Joshua, clarifying that he was clearly referring to the film’s significance within the animation and global cinema space — not erasing BTS’s contributions, but highlighting how the movie represents new types of mainstream exposure for K-pop.
The situation remains a topic of debate online, with some calling for better phrasing in global interviews, while others argue the reaction is overblown and lacks context.
Sources: Koreaboo