Korean etiquette vs. American idol.
2 hours ago
Concerns have been raised recently by fans as a clip of RIIZE‘s Anton goes viral. In the clip, Anton is seen holding up a glass of beer. While that in itself was perfectly innocuous, fans who turned on the audio noticed that a manager had told him to “pass around chopsticks as the maknae.”
In Korean culture, it was common etiquette for the youngest to set the table when eating together. This applied for eating out and in. It was especially common in workplaces, where hierarchy of age and position was highly observed. The etiquette has faded with time as workforces get younger. To those of a certain age or particular upbringing, the mindset is still etched in stone.
Although the comment seemed offhand, many fans were upset at the manager’s tone and attitude. This is especially as Anton is American, and was brought up overseas.
누가 막내한테 젓가락도 돌리고 해야지라고 말하는거임 한국사회생활매너 외국인에게도 적용하시네 pic.twitter.com/xVIRTLvvVh
— 바보 (@antonisbabo) February 19, 2026
Who’s telling the maknae that they should pass around chopsticks? Why are they applying Korean societal manners to a foreigner?
antonisbabo
While it is a deep-rooted part of the culture, fans believe that certain lines between an artist and manager should be kept.
i agree with k-teenys like it’s not only because the korean’s etiquettes but if we put our thinking caps for a moment, the managers shouldn’t be ordering their artists like this. damn idk anton also has to deal with terrible managers☹️ https://t.co/BFTtFOBKP0
— star 💿 (@toniddoribini) February 19, 2026
On the other hand, some fans believe that babying him is not the way to go. After all, Anton was raised in a Korean household.
why are we so mad over HIS OWN culture bruh he is the youngest he IS meant to set the table dont pmo😭 his parents are korean he was raised in a korean household and we’ve known since forever the members are a bit of “kkondaes” too so why are you acting all mad for? omd pathetic https://t.co/3xjyyyHs76
— ₊✧. 𝙮𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙠𝙤’s seeing riize ! ✩ (@yurisbloom_ing) February 19, 2026
The debate over culture and situational application continued, with overseas Koreans speaking up.
as someone who is also full korean born and raised in ny just like anton i assure u it is not expected for u to set the table for ppl who should be ur friends and equals even if ure the youngest https://t.co/ti3I7KRcMe
— wonnie 원이 (@syongtoner) February 19, 2026
Neither Anton nor SM Entertainment has spoken up about the matter yet.