The racism controversy surrounding BIGBANG leader G-Dragon drew the most attention on global K-Snapp between May 1 and May 7.
On May 2, G-Dragon performed at the K-SPARK show in Macau wearing an outfit printed in Dutch with the phrase "RONNY, EEN GEILE NEGER__ JONGEN." The outfit included a term referring to Black people that is widely recognized today as racist and derogatory, triggering immediate backlash.
Footage of G-Dragon onstage in the outfit spread quickly across social media, and criticism mounted among fans at home and abroad. Some fans demanded an official explanation.
As the controversy grew, his agency Galaxy Corporation issued a statement on May 4, saying, "We deeply apologize for the inclusion of a socially and culturally inappropriate phrase on the artist’s stage outfit." The agency added, "This incident has reinforced for us the importance of cultural sensitivity and advance review," pledging to strengthen internal vetting procedures going forward.
Meanwhile, following G-Dragon’s controversy, RIIZE member Eunseok sparked criticism on Children’s Day after posting childhood photos on a fan communication platform with the caption "깜둥이 은석." He later deleted the phrase and apologized, saying, "I used an inappropriate expression while sharing my childhood photos."