Earlier this month, a group of 8 band members were detained on LAX. As per LA Times, the K Pop band "Oh My Girl" was questioned by the officials from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. It was said that that they were mistaken as "sex workers." The report in regards to this issue was released by the South Korean management company.
The band's managing company WM Entertainment stated that the group with members ages 16-21 were scheduled to perform on Los Angeles and will then have a photo shoot for their album cover. Suspicion arose after the authorities got baffled by the amount of props and costume the girls bought with them.
The company's representative stated that:
"As young women, they were mistaken as 'working women' which has recently been a big issue in the U.S.,"
As per the website, "Oh My Girl" flew back to Korea after the 15 hour detention. Reps stated that they will contact their attorneys to consult if the detention was legal.
In addition to the statement, the representatives also hinted that the group was not able to provide the correct performance visa.
In response to the said accusations, BBC stated that the group was in fact not able to provide the needed documents. The government authorities then stated that the group's representatives only made up the story about the girls being accused as sex workers.
In addition to their response, they also stated that the real issue revolved around the fact that the group's luggage contains performing kits and they were in the United States for work.
The group was trying to enter the US with only a tourist visa, which is the main reason on why there were denied access.
The US authorities clearly explained that they did not have the appropriate paper works. They also explained that the 15 hour detention was the next flight schedule from LAX to Korea.
The government official stated that:
We were doing what we do everyday, We send people back all the time."
