For that, BTS members must learn from previous mistakes and stop making other scandals. Here is the list of BTS’ most controversial scandals since their debut until now.
BTS chart manipulation scandal. BTS’ RM’s plagiarisms scandal. BTS’ Jimin’s atomic bomb scandal. Fans Threaten BTS members with a death threat. BTS’ song, “War of Hormone,” scandal. BTS’ marketing scandal. EXO-BTS’ rivalry scandal. BTS’ Jin’s condom scandal. BTS’ Jungkook’s night out during lockdown in Itaewon scandal. BTS’ war comment scandal.
Take a look at the details of shocking scandals associated with BTS members from their debut days!
BTS’ Chart Manipulation Scandal
BTS members were accused of chart manipulation. When BTS’ new single, “I Need U,” reached massive popularity and stood high on music charts, BIGBANG fans accused BTS of manipulating the music chart. Later, it was revealed that global fans contributed greatly to the popularity of the new single. A lot of sales were recorded from outside of Korea and Japan. Little did the skeptical fans know, they were witnessing a historic event.
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BTS’ RM’s Plagiarism Scandal
In 2015, BTS’ leader, RM, received unsuspected attention regarding plagiarism. Some Twitter accounts accused RM of using some of their post lines and using the lines for his music lyrics without consent. RM immediately apologized and admitted his mistake. He stated that most of the time he gets inspiration for his music from reading books, watching movies, doing interviews, and reading letters. Due to his wholehearted apology, even the person who accused him later apologize for causing the incident.
BTS’ Jimin’s Atomic Bomb Scandal
BTS flower boy Jimin‘s fashion sense can’t even help him to avoid scandals! Either due to his ignorance or due to his own purpose, Jimin was photographed while wearing a shirt with the Hiroshima atomic bombing image. He thought that by wearing the shirt, he was celebrating Korea’s independence and freedom from the Japanese invasion. The issue quickly escalated globally with Japan canceling BTS’ performance on one of their TV stations.
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BTS’ Death Threats Scandal
BTS’ RM experienced two death threats throughout his activities as a BTS member. BTS had an interview in Australia, and RM allegedly made a racial statement in one of the segments. He was asked about his first impression of other BTS members when they met for the first time. RM replied and said that he couldn’t see V and J-Hope because they were too dark. He added that when it was dark, he couldn’t see them. After his interview and his statement was broadcast, one of Twitter’s accounts posted a picture of a gun and loaded ammunition. The account posted, in uppercase letters, “Hahaha People Think I’m trolling for attention, I ain’t trolling I’m as serious as can be, Bye Bye RM.” BTS canceled an event in New York after another death threat towards BTS’ RM through social media surfaced. Speculation arose that the death threat came after the allegedly racial interview in Australia.
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In 2018, multiple death threats aimed at BTS’ Jimin were found before one of the Love Yourself world tour events. One Twitter account posted a threat that the person will shoot Jimin when he performs on stage. The person will enjoy the sight of a lifeless Jimin on the floor.
BTS’ “War of Hormone” Scandal
Fans accused BTS’ “War of Hormone” lyrics of looking down on or degrading women. The lyrics said that women are the best gift and encourage women to wear heels more often as if women are just objects for men. Due to the scandal, Big Hit Entertainment issued an apology statement and promised to educate BTS’ members about the matter.
BTS’ Marketing Scandal
The marketing scandal of BTS started in 2017 when one of the marketing firms that worked with Big Hit Entertainment was having a difficult financial period. In order to get extra money from Big Hit Entertainment, the company extorted Big Hit Entertainment by revealing BTS’ illegal marketing strategies. Out of fear of ruining BTS’ popularity, one of Big Hit Entertainment’s employees pay a sum of money to the marketing firm. Why did Big Entertainment pay the money if they didn’t do anything illegal? Nobody knew the exact reason. After the CEO of the marketing firm was arrested, Big Hit Entertainment released an official statement and stated that the company didn’t know about the extortion and that the employee tried to solve the matter without the consent of Big Hit Entertainment executives. Since the matter got out of hand, the employee notified the executives, and police were immediately called.
EXO-BTS Rivalry Scandal
The rivalry scandal between BTS and EXO has been going around since 2017. The spectacular rise of BTS to stardom apparently resulted in a negative response from EXO’s fans. A group of envious EXO fans accused BTS of copying EXO’s concept.
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Jungkook added fire to EXO fans’ anger by using the words “Let’s Love,” words that are usually associated with EXO. Later, a picture of Jungkook in funeral photos was circulated on social media. The alleged rivalry was just a rumor after it was revealed that EXO and BTS members were very close.
BTS’ Jin’s Condom Scandal
In 2014, the keen Army fans noticed a condom on top of Jin’s belongings. Jin, being well known for his eating pictures and videos, posted a picture of himself eating self-made food inside of his dormitory room. Directly behind his back and in front of his clothes, fans noticed a strip of a condom.
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Fans immediately had wild speculations about the condoms. Rumors spread in an instant, and Big Hit Entertainment stepped up to clear the scandal. Not too long after, the company clarified that it was indeed a strip of condoms that Jin got from fan gifts. Thankfully, the matter was cleared gradually. Otherwise, fans could have a negative image of BTS members’ private lives.
Jungkook’s Itaewon Scandal during Social Distancing
BTS’ Jungkook underestimated his popularity when he was seen hanging out at a popular bar in the famous Itaewon area. At the time of a social distancing policy, a famous idol and someone that young generations look up to was ignoring government policy. Korean citizens were outraged upon seeing his pictures while drinking in the bar. Jungkook admitted that it was really him and quickly apologized to the public. Big Hit Entertainment followed up with clarification and apologized to the public.
BTS’ War Comment Scandal
Once again, a statement from BTS members caused global conflict. After receiving an award for good relations between South Korea and the US, BTS’ RM commented about the Korean War that occurred from 1950 to 1953. Korea and the United States fought together in the war. RM said that Korea will always remember the pain between Korea and the US and remember the sacrifice of many people. Social media accounts from China immediately responded to RM’s comments and said that China also suffered from the Korean War. Later, the accounts asked BTS not to make money from China. An official newspaper from China wrote that BTS had hurt the feelings of Chinese citizens and gave a negative version of history. The controversies and scandals surrounding BTS will never disappear. Let’s hope that BTS’ members will become more careful about their statements and comments because they are already global icons and can influence global opinion. Do you know another BTS scandal that we don’t know? Tell us about the scandal, and don’t forget to share this article with your social media account.
