Controversy arises at Yakuza conference after offensive remarks made
During a Yakuza press conference this past weekend, actor Susumu Terajima was at the conference promoting Yakuza: Kiwami 2. Near the end of the conference, he was asked by Yakuza designer, Toshihiro Nagoshi, to have the final sendoff.
Here is what Terajima had to say:
“Today, there are…several of the people up on this stage are Koreans, truly… I only hope no missiles come flying from Korea.”
Here is the video of the remarks:
These, of course, are due to North Korea’s dictator, Kim Jong-un, threatening missile strikes to the United States. Politics aside, South Korea did not take this so lightly. Many people went to the internet to express their feelings about these remarks, sending backlash and even protesting to have the game cancelled in South Korea. Major forums in South Korea were attacking the actor over these remarks and called him jjokbari [Korean slur for japanese].
Through all this controversy, this is what SEGA Korea had to say:
“We’ve relayed Korean players’ feedback regarding the comment and their demand for an apology to HQ.”
No word on whether or not Yakuza: Kiwami 2 will be cancelled in South Korea.
via Kotaku
The joke was in poor taste. I’m sure it wasn’t meant to be offensive, or anything, but i’m not sure what else Terajima was expecting would happen with that sort of comment..
Very bad “joke”…I’ve always thought it is best if games/developers refrain from any political statements, but that’s just me.
North Korea is shit, so why a joke about North Korea being shit is upsetting so many people is beyond me.
Because he didn’t distinguish between the two Koreas.
….Fine.
I still don’t understand trying to get the game banned in S. Korea over it, though.
*Grumble, grumble, grumble… takes pills*
The actors were presumably from South. So likening them to the North is disrespectful.
Also we Asians have a sensitive butt.
Yes, we Asians have a sensitive butt. My governor even went to jail because of something he said considered a blasphemy to a religion (even though many had said it’s not blasphemy). Guess what religion it is.
Agreed. I also want to add that the religion you’re referring to is full of sensitive people, it’s funny.
Terajima said “Today, there are…several of the people up on this stage are Zosenjingu, truly…” *Zosenjingu [Japanese slur for Koreans]