Gwak Beom has addressed the backlash he faced after parodying Bruno Mars in BLACKPINK's Rosé’s APT. music video.
On December 26, a video titled “A Parasite in My Past Life? Comedians Gwak Beom & Lee Chang Ho Through and Through” was uploaded to the YouTube channel TT Studio.
The video, part of the Face Reading Theory series, featured comedians Gwak Beom and Lee Chang Ho in a fun chat with MC Um Ji Yoon, along with a visit to a fortune-teller.
During their discussion, Um Ji Yoon brought up Gwak Beom’s portrayal of Bruno Mars in the APT. parody, saying it had sparked some controversy.
Caught off guard, Gwak Beom admitted, “That caused some issues,” while Lee Chang Ho chimed in, “International viewers left a lot of comments saying it was racist.”
Gwak Beom firmly defended himself, saying, “I didn’t do anything inappropriate. I was bare-faced and just drew a beard on. How is that racist?”
Um Ji Yoon then shared a group photo from the parody, pointing out how Gwak Beom’s face appeared darker. She said, “This doesn’t look like a shadow. Honestly, I’m surprised there wasn’t more backlash.” Her comment lightened the mood, bringing laughter to the conversation.
The video later shifted to Gwak Beom and Lee Chang Ho meeting a fortune-teller, Park Sung Joon, to learn about their futures.
Lee Chang Ho asked, “Will I be successful?” to which Park replied, “You have big ambitions, but your playful nature sometimes creates a gap between your dreams and reality.”
Um Ji Yoon joined in, asking, “What’s our work compatibility like?” Park responded, “Lee Chang Ho’s energy shows he enjoys working with you.”
Laughing, Um Ji Yoon joked, “No wonder he calls me at night asking if I’m asleep. He’s just like a parasite!”
Gwak Beom’s comments have reignited discussions online, with fans divided over the intent behind the parody.
Some continue to defend him, while others remain critical. Despite the controversy, Gwak Beom seems determined to move forward.
Source: [1]