NHL fans left divided as LA Kings perform another controversial rendition of national anthem
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Off the back of their critically acclaimed rendition of the national anthem at the Los Angeles Kings' first home playoff game this season, the harmonica class of the Korea-Town Senior and Community Center returned for Game 2.
Two nights prior, dozens of harmonica players were seen wearing traditional Korean clothing as the fans at Crypto.com Arena sang along to the words of the Star-Spangled Banner.
But before Game 2, those same musicians returned - this time wearing Kings jerseys - as the audience roared their approval.
Again, the chorus of fans sang out the words to the song before the home team battled the Edmonton Oilers.
While those in the arena let out cheers, social media once again was left divided over the decision.
Some applauded their return while others were left stunned that they were invited back.
The harmonica class of the Korea-Town Senior and Community Center returned to Crypto.com Arena in LA on Wednesday night to play the national anthem in the Stanley Cup Playoffs
Cameras caught Kings forward Andrei Kuzmenko smiling as the musicians performed
The same harmonica players performed the anthem for Game 1 in LA just two days prior
'Lmao the kings brought back the harmonics [sic] for the national anthem. If they win again today they have the be there for the whole playoffs,' wrote one person on X in favor of the harmonicas.
Another supporter said, 'the only acceptable way to have a national anthem play before any kind of sport should be harmonica covers ONLY moving forward. i’m glad the kings got those ladies jerseys.'
'Took off my cap and faced east towards Koreatown as the Harmonica Class performed the National Anthem. #GKG,' said another Kings fan.
Another fan said, 'The harmonica national anthem is my favorite story in all of hockey this year, I’m obsessed with those ladies.'
A camera panning across the Kings bench caught LA forward Andrei Kuzmenko smiling toward the end of the performance.
But there were just as many people on social media who were not fans of the display.
'WTAF is going on with the US national anthem in LA. #OilersvKings,' one viewer wondered.
An Edmonton Oilers fan posted, 'It was funny the first time, but the Korean harmonica national anthem is stupid and awful. LA deserves to get their a**es beat, just because of this.'
Opinion on the internet was divided between love and hate for the harmonica performance
Another Oilers fan recalled a Canadian comedy show when they posted, 'Hearing these Korean seniors play the national anthem on harmonica reminds me the scene from Shoresy where they kid is playing it on recorder, and it is just as grating.'
'The @LAKings just had a bunch of people playing the national anthem by harmonica. That was...interesting,' said another person who wasn't a fan.
Well the Kings got off to a great start when defenseman Brandt Clarke scored in the first period to give LA an advantage.
Daily Mail
