KARD’s BM under fire for using racial slur on TikTok Live, apology sparks debate

K-pop idol BM faces backlash after saying the n-word during TikTok Live, prompting mixed reactions over his apology.

KARD member BM has come under fire after saying the n-word during a TikTok Live while singing along to a DMX song. The incident quickly drew criticism from fans, particularly due to BM’s American upbringing and fluency in English, with many stating he should know better.

Clips from the livestream circulated widely on social media, with one video showing BM reciting the controversial lyrics.

@kpophistory8

On a scale of one to OVER IT, how fed up are we?! In light of all the BS w/ these Kpop artists, here’s live footage of me DOUBLE TAKING my comment in BM’s live. #Kpop #History #KissOfLife #GDragon #Joke #fyp #Kpopfyp #BM

♬ original sound - KpopHistory

Following immediate backlash, the idol returned to TikTok Live, inviting fans—especially Black viewers—to confront him directly and share how his actions made them feel.

@kpophistory8

BM took this time to allow Black fans to reflect on their feelings towards what he said. I won’t be posting any of those, because I don’t have those ppl’s permission. Matthew… go do some soul searching. Education is power. (I’m not trying to be mean, I’m being genuine) #BM #BigMatthew #KissOfLife #CL #GDragon #Kpop #Kpopfyp #Fyp

♬ original sound - KpopHistory

Fan reactions were divided. Some applauded BM for not issuing a generic apology and instead offering his platform to voices from the affected community. 

honestly, i’m hurt but also kind of proud (?) of BM for apologising so quickly and STRAIGHT to OUR COMMUNITY and even letting black fans talking on his live and everything

— 合 𝒆𝒍𝒚’ .☘︎ ݁˖🧃 (@chae4ely) April 8, 2025

idk if im bugging and like genuinely not even in a way to defend BM, but the way y’all were acting in that live with one of the few idols that was willingly open to listening to fans blew me just now.

— Soleil (@seungnmin) April 8, 2025

Others viewed the gesture as performative, noting that BM continued to receive TikTok Live donations during the apology session.

Guys u know what I realised…BM is actually getting donations for this live😭😭😭😭he could turn that off HES GETTING A BAG FOR THIS

— Deans pr manager 🪐 (@thenigginjoon) April 8, 2025

Several also pointed out that BM, being from Los Angeles and raised in the United States, had no excuse.

bm literally grew up in la lmao, why are y'all wasting your breath trying to educate him on not using the n-word?? pic.twitter.com/l7HtUG3nDu

— °°𝓶𝓼°°la edgehead☆⋈ (@_shownusofty) April 8, 2025

The controversy comes amid a wider wave of criticism within the K-pop industry, as several idols are being exposed for cultural appropriation and racial insensitivity.

Videos of BLACKPINK members using the n-word while rapping hip-hop songs during their trainee days have resurfaced online, sparking renewed backlash.

Meanwhile, members of the rookie girl group KISS OF LIFE have also been accused of appropriating Black culture through fashion and styling in recent appearances.