Controversy hits BTS performance on The Tonight Show before it even airs

A highly anticipated appearance by BTS on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon is already facing backlash. Fans of the international superstars are not happy with what happened during Wednesday night's taping.

According to a report from TMZ, the late-night show has landed in hot water with BTS fans following a joke made during Wednesday’s episode, set to be the first of a two-night visit by the band. The controversy centers on comments from the show’s warm-up comic, Seth Herzog, with some fans also directing criticism toward host Jimmy Fallon.

Per audience members in attendance, Herzog made a joke while engaging the crowd that didn’t land well with some BTS fans. At one point, he reportedly asked, “Anybody here from the North? No? Nobody?” The line was clearly referencing North Korea, and apparently came as part of an ironic take on the classic crowd work “Where are you from?” bit.

While the quip may have been intended as a generic crowd-work joke, some attendees felt it was insensitive given BTS’s South Korean identity. Several fans in the audience took to social media, particularly X, to voice their discomfort, with some labeling the remark as racist.

Once word got out, the backlash quickly escalated. Members of the BTS fandom, known for its massive and highly organized online presence, began flooding social media with criticism of both the show and Fallon. A promotional post on The Tonight Show’s official Twitter account highlighting BTS’s upcoming appearance was soon slammed with replies from upset fans. Many pointed out the irony of the show benefiting from BTS’s global popularity after what they viewed as a disrespectful moment during the taping. The fact the band went on hiatus for mandatory military service may also be a factor in why some fans weren't thrilled by the joke.

A source tells TMZ that Herzog apologized to BTS for the attempt at humor. Additionally, the outlet reports NBC also spoke to Herzog about the incident.

Herzog, 55, has been active in the New York City stand-up comedy scene for 25 years. After steadily building his career with appearances on shows like Best Week Ever, he earned a spot with Late Night with Jimmy Fallon as the warm-up act and a sketch performer beginning in 2009. Herzog has continued in the role since Fallon took over The Tonight Show.

Fallon's interview with BTS will air during Wednesday night's Tonight Show. The band will also perform a song, with a second musical number expected to air on Thursday night's episode.