A controversy is going viral after &TEAM members K, YUMA, and JO made comments on the group’s podcast about Korean member EJ eating a kimchi‑topped gyudon (beef bowl) in a packed car—sparking accusations of anti-Korean sentiment and a wave of fan backlash.
The issue stems from a recently aired episode of &TEAM’s podcast where the three Japanese members brought up the moment EJ ate in the car.
YUMA said, "Last time, EJ ate a gyudon with kimchi on top in a fully packed car." JO reacted, "That was a bit much," and YUMA added, "And it was in the morning." When JO replied, "Wow, in the morning?" YUMA continued, "It was a little tough. To be fair, EJ did ask once if it was okay to eat. That part was fine, but the smell was stronger than we expected." K then said, "Kimchi gives off a smell in the car right away. I’m saying it jokingly, but if it was in the morning, I think I would’ve disliked it too."
Online, some fans criticized the remarks as revealing anti-Korean sentiment. Reactions included: "If you said it was okay to eat, calling the smell too strong afterward is rude," "It wasn’t something like doenjang—just a kimchi gyudon—so wasn’t that an overreaction?" and "If you’re a global group, you should show more respect for different cultures." Others said, "Framing it as a strong smell comes off anti-Korean," and "How have you been eating Korean food all this time, then?"
While some saw the moment as a simple anecdote, growing criticism over a perceived lack of consideration for Korean food and culture has escalated the controversy.
&TEAM is a nine-member group: YUMA, K, JO, FUMA, HARUA, NICHOLAS, TAKI, EJ, and MAKI. The group released its third EP, 'We On Fire,' in April.