Daniel Padilla is accused of “mocking” Koreans
Filipino actor Daniel Padilla, known for his roles in acclaimed projects such as “The Hows Of Us,” found himself amidst mixed reactions and criticism following his recent speech at the 2023 Asia Artist Awards on December 14.
The star-studded event, held in the Philippines, gathered a plethora of Filipino entertainers, K-Pop idols, and other Asian celebrities, where Daniel Padilla was honored with the “Fabulous Award (Television/Film).”
However, it was a specific moment during his acceptance speech that sparked controversy, leading to accusations of him “mocking” Koreans.
Daniel commenced his speech in Tagalog and, after a brief moment, greeted the audience with “annyeong” before laughing off the microphone. The brevity of the speech, coupled with the informal Korean greeting, triggered criticism from some netizens who perceived it as disrespectful or mocking. Others suggested that he could have done better research to use the appropriate greeting for the occasion. On the flip side, some defended the actor, attributing the incident to nervousness and asserting that he did not intend any disrespect. Supporters also speculated that Daniel’s recent personal issues, including rumors of infidelity and his recent breakup with actress Kathryn Bernardo, may have contributed to the heightened scrutiny.
Notably, Daniel Padilla accepted his award alongside Kathryn Bernardo, with whom he was in a relationship from 2012 until their publicized breakup on November 30.
Widespread rumors of infidelity have generated negative sentiments towards Daniel, reportedly resulting in boos from the audience at the 2023 AAAs and even instances of graffiti on a photo of the actor.
Critics argue that the unwarranted hate surrounding his acceptance speech may be fueled by the negative perceptions surrounding his personal life.
As of now, Daniel Padilla has not issued any response to the criticism surrounding his speech. The controversy continues to stir discussions among fans and netizens alike.
