‘Arigato’: Stray Kids’ fans slam ‘racist’ treatment of idols at Met Gala

Fans of Stray Kids are expressing rage against the alleged racist treatment that the boy band received at the 2024 Met Gala, held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York on Tuesday, the largest fashion get-together in the United States.

Members of Stray Kids, the brand ambassadors of Tommy Hilfiger, were posing for photographers when one photographer apparently made racist comments toward the boy band.

Fans claimed that many of the comments were racist and discriminatory, such as: “I’ve never seen so many unemotional faces” and “They’re robots.”

One photographer can be seen saying “tone it down,” insinuating the possibility that they were aware of their actions. Another said, “Arigato,” using the Japanese expression instead of Korean, to say “thank you.”

Fans alleged that one comment telling them “Everybody jump” implied that the boy band was shorter than others present at the scene.

The bandmates left the red carpet after leader Bang Chan clapped his hands and wrapped up the session.

One of the photographers who made the racist remarks turned his Instagram account private after being bombarded with critical messages since the gala.

Stray Kids will officially release its new digital single, “Lose My Breath,” featuring Charlie Puth, on Friday at 1 p.m.

BY KIM MIN-YOUNG [kim.minyoung5@joongang.co.kr]