The host also faced criticism for bringing up BTS in the interview.

American show host, Sam Rubin of KTLA, recently came under fire when he commented about NCT 127 Johnny‘s “phenomenal” English skills.

the interviewer said johnny’s english was “phenomenal” as if he isn’t a wholeass american johnny even said “i’m from chicago” right after that pic.twitter.com/blBGKHn5xK — johnny doing things (@johnactivities) May 15, 2019

ayo @KTLAMorningNews. you might wanna get your man’s Sam Rubin bc i’m finna hurt his feelings🤡 this ain’t the first time. #NCT pic.twitter.com/4FC2KRSzoH — 𝙖𝙪𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙧𝙖 𝙞𝙨 𝙨𝙚𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙗𝙩𝙨 (@moonforjoon) May 16, 2019

As all NCTzens know, Johnny was born in Chicago and raised in the States. He’s literally an American citizen.

Sam Rubin was also criticized for bringing up BTS in an interview about NCT 127’s immense success with their “NEO CITY: USA — The Origin” tour.

mark delivered this message really well i’m proud of him pic.twitter.com/fuWm8nxSEd — 류ryu (@nct_127) May 15, 2019

ok it’s so unfair that interviewers are mentioning bts in every american nct 127 interview. it’s unfair for both artists. there is no next bts, every artist is wholly themselves and nobody else. nct 127 deserve to be interviewed respectfully. ask about THEM. nobody else. — s (nsfr!!) (@epiphanykth) May 15, 2019

also that host asked nct about bts, they answered so respectfully and talked about how they respect bts and everything they do and have done. I just don’t understand, if you invited nct 127 to your show ask them about NCT?? — NCT WORLD DOMINATION (@touchnct) May 15, 2019

Soon after the backlash, Sam Rubin took to his official Facebook page to apologize to anyone who could have been offended by his interview. He claimed he was misinformed by the NCT staff about the members’ English skills which led to his mistake. He also claimed he only brought up BTS as an encouragement for the junior group.

A special message to the wonderful fans worldwide of nct127 NCT NCT 127 NCT . This was a very great honor to have the… Posted by Sam Rubin on Wednesday, May 15, 2019