The producers of “KPOP: The Musical” demanded an apology from The New York Times on Friday for the racist statement. created by theater critic Jesse Green.
Producers Tim Forbes and Joey Parnes blasted the critic for “casual racism” in a letter to New York Times chairman and publisher AG Sulzberger and theater editor Nicole Herrington.
“We are writing to apologize to the cast and show’s creators for the careless and blatantly offensive comment written by Jessie Green, the producer of the recent Broadway musical KPOP,” it said. letter
“To be clear, we respect Mr. Green’s right to criticize the show. What we’re asking you to address is cultural insensitivity, ignorance and dislike of the K-pop genre, and casual racism in his commentary.
“For the New York Times to be like this is, frankly, shocking,” the letter continued.
KPOP — Opening November 27, 2022 — follows three different groups participating in a one-night-only KPOP documentary.
Green said in his review that Jiyoun Chang’s lighting design was “dazzling”, which the producers called a “harmful stereotype”.
Green also confirmed that non-Korean speakers would not be able to understand much of the show without English subtitles.
“Is a Broadway show authentic if it’s only aimed at a white, English-speaking audience?” write manufacturers.
One “KPOP” star also criticized the comment on social media posts.
“Unless you’re an Asian American who’s been teased for having squinty eyes or slanted eyes, I’m sorry, I don’t want to hear from you right now. You can sit down,” Avraam Lim said on Instagram.
The Post has contacted Green for comment.
“KPOP: The Musical” is currently playing at the Square Theater in New York.
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