In mid-May, several αмєяι¢αn fans reported spotting BTS-themed Oreo cookies at their local stores, sparking widespread online discussion. By the end of the month, the official collaboration between BTS and OREO was also confirmed. OREO announced that the “Limited Edition Oreo & BTS” — a collaborative product with BTS — would officially go on sale starting June 8 at major supermarkets and convenience stores across more than 80 countries and territories worldwide, including South кσяєα.

The new product drew attention for taking inspiration from Hotteok, a popular кσяєαn street pancake, combined with black sugar-flavored cream filling. The surface of the cookies was also embossed with three different designs featuring the names of BTS members and the group’s official lightstick, the ARMY Bomb. Alongside the launch, OREO also organized a large-scale global interactive event allowing fans to send digital messages to BTS through QR codes and the campaign’s official website.

As this was a major collaboration, it came as no surprise that it received coverage both online and through traditional media outlets. However, one television program is now facing mαѕѕive backlash over controversial comments made by one of its hosts about BTS.

Specifically, FOX34 — a local television station affiliated with Fox in Lubbock, Texas — covered the BTS and Oreo collaboration as part of a featured news segment. At first, the broadcast appeared fairly normal, with the anchors introducing the limited-edition product and sharing interesting details related to the global group. However, in the final moments of the segment, after mentioning the 13 messages printed on the BTS Oreo cookies, one of the hosts suddenly made a “joke,” saying that when put together, they formed the phrase “D3ath To αмєяι¢α.”

The remark quickly enraged the ARMY fandom. Although the phrase has been used in anti-αмєяι¢αn imperialism protests in some countries, it is also commonly αѕѕociated with extremist and terrorist organizations. North кσяєα has also used similar rhetoric in the past. Because of this, many people felt that linking BTS — a кσяєαn group — to such a politically charged and extremist phrase was completely inappropriate, and even racially insensitive toward Asians.

After the clip spread across social media, countless fans criticized both the program and the host responsible for the remark. Many ARMYs argued that this was not simply a “thoughtless joke,” but rather reflected the prejudice that Asian artists have long faced when appearing in Western media.

The host was later identified as James Eppler, who is also a professor at Texas Tech University. On Twitter and various online forums, fans called on the station to issue an official apology and take appropriate action regarding the controversial statement. Some even demanded that James Eppler be fired, arguing that his comment crossed both professional and ethical boundaries.

Meanwhile, many netizens also defended BTS, emphasizing that the group has consistently used their music to spread positive messages about self-love, healing, and global unity, and that they did not deserve to be subjected to such offensive jokes. Others pointed out that this was not the first time BTS had become the target of discriminatory or derogatory remarks from Western media despite their status as global superstars today, showing that this remains an ongoing issue.

Discussions surrounding the controversy are currently spreading rapidly across social media, with comments such as:

- Spreading misinformation about an asian boyband on a news show knowing ∂αми well how αмєяι¢α is treating minorities right now is really weird

- These types of jokes of acting like they are saying soмєтнing else that’s offensive and the “north korea” jokes are just straight up яα¢ιѕт im over it

- Fuck *ss b1tches ts was not funny it was honestly disrespectful asf. He needs to be fired immediately.!!!

- @Oreo please be aware that @fox34 used your bts oreo collaboration as the setup for a “d34th to america” joke. this is blatant ŕäċïṩṃ and xenophobia toward asian artists, using your campaign to amplify harmful rhetoric for a cheap punchline. i hope you can press for accountability from the station, including a correction or apology. james eppler, you're an ignorant, vile pos

- @fox34 How is this in anyway appropriate?  This must go against work and state policies regarding harαѕѕment, it’s making so many people uncomfortable.  If self harm and ∂єαтн threats jokes are seen as harmful even in elementary schools then this level of “joking” should be strictly prohibited on news broadcasts.  This isn’t your personal show where filters are left at the door

- The comments made towards South кσяєαn group BTS and their fans during your segment were unacceptable, inappropriate and deeply disrespectful. We, as viewers and fans, are requesting accountability, a public response, and a formal apology regarding the harmful remarks made on air.

- @Oreo I don’t think you want this type of advertisement for this wholesome collab. Hoping you can do soмєтнing about it

- This яα¢ιѕт and xenophobic remark by @JamesEppler was absolutely unprofessional and disgusting. @fox34 @GrayMediaGTN you need to address this immediately with a formal apology