Filipino actor Daniel Padilla is facing mixed reactions and criticism for his recent speech at an award show.
On December 14, the 2023 Asia Artist Awards took place in the Philippines and hosted many Filipino entertainers, K-Pop idols, and other Asian celebrities.
Actor and entertainer Daniel Padilla, who has appeared in projects like The Hows Of Us, the highest-grossing Filipino film at the time, also attended the event. The star was among two honored with the “Fabulous Award (Television/Film)” during the show.
However, a moment during his speech has led to accusations of “mocking” Koreans.
Daniel began his acceptance speech in Tagalog before saying “annyeong” and laughing off the mic. The speech was short, and Daniel thanked the awards program before stepping away.
Some netizens found his usage of the informal Korean greeting to be “mocking,” especially with how he laughed afterward. Others felt he could have researched before the show to use the correct greeting.
ok but like. daniel padilla’s mocking “annyeong” and the way he laughed after and was so embarassed was so rude like uhm
— aya 🌻 (@082won) December 14, 2023
why did that guy laugh after saying “annyeong” 🤨🤨🤨 that sounded so disrespectful https://t.co/ef8Rf88NEF
— hari saw junmy ✮ (@bakedjuns) December 14, 2023
imagine how dumb u must be to greet an informal “annyeong” and then laugh afterwards in an awards show where the honored guests are primarily koreans. i know he got multiple side eyes https://t.co/v4wh1O68VN
— el 🌸 (@serpentcore) December 14, 2023
those k-artists learning the proper way to say filipino phrases yet him not giving the bare minimum on how to properly say formal greetings to the koreans 😹 https://t.co/5n648Ygs5u
— teya 🏎️ (@pcndlv) December 15, 2023
On the other hand, others viewed the moment very differently, saying he was probably nervous and did not mean disrespect.
it was harmless, y’all just want drama over and over again
I don’t recall any filo criticising a Korean for making fun of filo words
the double standard yikes https://t.co/gm2Ghfjvuo
— jb, cpa 🌴🙏🏻🙌🏻 (@defsouljayb19) December 14, 2023
tbh people these days would make an issue about everything! lol
how sure are u that it’s mocking? laughing doesn’t always equate to mocking,, sometimes it’s how u express nervousness/anxiety will all the eyes looking at you,,
Just say you hate him, but ok go on i guess? https://t.co/IU0awE63CC
— lucille 💗 (@lucillecaresosa) December 15, 2023
In addition, those defending Daniel also believe his personal life may have made others hypercritical of the star.
Daniel accepted his award on stage alongside actress Kathryn Bernardo, with whom he was in a relationship from 2012 until they announced their break-up on November 30.
Filipino Stars Kathryn Bernardo And Daniel Padilla’s Post-Break-Up Interactions At The “2023 Asia Artist Awards” Set The Internet On Fire
Widespread rumors have accused Daniel of cheating, leading to negative feelings towards the actor. At the 2023 AAAs Daniel was reportedly boo-ed, and a photo of him was graffitied.
Netizens cited this as reasoning for the uncalled-for hate surrounding his acceptance speech.
me when I’m blinded by hate https://t.co/ZFVeHFYULh
— yana (@heeconcept) December 14, 2023
idc if y’all believe those accusations or not but are you seriously going to torment his actions that had no intention to mock or ridicule anyone at all? dj is not a kpop fan or anything so a simple ‘annyeong’ was all he could do, yes it’s the informal way but seriously not ++ https://t.co/ifnHHgjJkL
— ` (@hoIyglory) December 14, 2023
not a daniel padilla shooter or wtv but he probably just laughed cs it was weird for him speaking korean for the first time 😭 and probably because he was embarrassed lmao. yall will dig deep into everything he does to say it’s wrong like im sorry but it’s stupid https://t.co/MXHgUCDEsg
— jul ⋆ #FreePalestine (@hoonwoncat) December 15, 2023
Daniel Padilla has not responded to the criticism surrounding his speech.
