Amid the turmoil surrounding HYBE and its affiliated groups due to the HYBE-ADOR feud, BTS found themselves entangled in controversy, facing accusations ranging from association with a cult to chart manipulation and concept plagiarism.
On May 2, BTS’s name received some vindication when the leaders of the cult “Dahn World” clarified rumours, asserting no association with HYBE or BTS. Big Hit Music also issued a statement denying allegations and announced plans to gather evidence and pursue legal action against defamatory acts targeting BTS’s reputation.
However, the aftermath left BTS fans incensed, particularly displaying strong opposition towards HYBE. On May 3, BTS’s fandom collectively sent funeral flower wreaths and protest trucks to HYBE headquarters, which were adorned with harsh criticisms aimed at the management company.
Simultaneously, the South Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism launched an investigation into music chart manipulation allegations involving BTS, further fueling tensions. Some complaints have also been filed with the ministry, calling for the revocation of BTS’s honorary citations due to these allegations, which has only heightened the international fandom’s frustration.
On May 5th, international ARMYs (fans of BTS) trended the keyword “South Korea apologize to BTS,” sparking intense debate in the K-pop community over the appropriateness of such actions.
However, amidst consecutive strong actions to defend their idols, many have begun to accuse BTS fans of “going too far.” While fans have the right to be upset, given BTS’s ongoing involvement despite enlistment, sending funeral flower wreaths and demanding apologies from an entire country have sparked criticism from Korean netizens on forums like Instiz and theqoo.
Comments from Korean netizens reflect growing discontent:
- “Placing their idols above an entire country, who do they think they are?”
- “The foreign fans over there are really scary and disgusting. That’s some cult-like behavior.”
- “Why should an entire country apologize to one group?”
- “Wow, the fans are acting like a national disgrace.”
- “It’s one thing to defend your favourite idols, but this is going too far.”
- “Leave Korea alone.”