On stage, G‑Dragon appeared in a minimalist white shirt whose back featured Dutch text that included a phrase widely recognized as a racial slur targeting Black people. Footage and photographs circulated rapidly across social‑media platforms, drawing sharp criticism for normalizing offensive language at a high‑profile show. Korean and global viewers alike condemned the use of the term, emphasizing that such imagery has no place in mainstream entertainment.
In response, Galaxy Corporation issued a public statement on May 3–4, written in English, accepting responsibility for the “inappropriate wording featured on the performance outfit.”
Read full Statement:
" Hello. This is Galaxy Corporation.
We sincerely apologize for the inappropriate wording featured on the performance outfit worn by the artist at K-SPARK in Macau on May 2.
This incident has once again reminded us of the importance of cultural sensitivity and responsible review. We will thoroughly reassess and strengthen our internal review and verification processes, including styling and related internal processes, and move forward with a higher standard of global respect and responsibility.
We remain committed to approaching all artist-related activities with greater thoughtfulness and accountability, while ensuring that the diverse cultural backgrounds and values of our global fans will always be respected.
Once again, we sincerely apologize to everyone who was hurt or disappointed by this incident.
Thank you."
The agency acknowledged that internal review processes failed to catch the slur before the concert, particularly in assessing foreign‑language content on stage attire. It pledged to “thoroughly review and improve” internal checks, including stricter cultural‑sensitivity protocols for all outfits and messaging used in G‑Dragon’s performances.
The episode has also reignited broader debate within the K‑pop industry over how idols, especially border‑crossing icons like G‑Dragon, balance edgy fashion choices with global accountability. Critics and commentators are calling for more rigorous linguistic vetting and cultural‑awareness training for styling teams, as fans continue to pressure agencies to treat offensive language with the seriousness it demands.