Billboard Faces Racism Backlash Over KATSEYE's Yoonchae, BTS Case Resurfaces

Billboard is facing criticism from K-POP fans after omitting KATSEYE's Korean member Yoonchae from a promotional social media post. The controversy has also resurfaced discussion of a similar incident involving BTS in 2021.

On July 26, the U.S. music publication shared promotional images and a caption related to KATSEYE's new song "Animal" on its official social media account. The post quoted a portion of the song's lyrics and described the track as being about discovering someone's true nature. The images featured the members dressed in black against a red backdrop, along with Hollywood actress Demi Moore.

Billboard initially uploaded two group photos and four individual member shots. However, Yoonchae was not included among the solo images. After fans questioned why her photo had been omitted, Billboard removed all of the individual shots from the post.

The backlash was fueled in part by a previous incident in May, when Billboard was similarly criticized for leaving Yoonchae out of a KATSEYE selfie post.

The controversy also prompted fans to revisit a 2021 incident involving BTS. At the time, Billboard shared an illustration created by U.S. trading card company Topps that depicted the BTS members as figures being struck by a gramophone-shaped Grammy trophy. The image drew widespread accusations of racism and insensitivity.

Topps later apologized and withdrew the product following the backlash. Billboard, which had shared and promoted the illustration on social media, did not issue a separate statement.

KATSEYE is scheduled to release its third EP, "WILD," on Aug. 14. The album includes the new song "Animal," which features singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran among its co-writers. Demi Moore also appears in the song's music video.