BTS made an impressive return to Chile after more than nine years. More than 60,000 local ARMYs got to enjoy the group’s energetic performances, singing along to their favorite BTS songs and creating an electrifying atmosphere. The pαѕѕionate support of Chilean fans also moved the members, with many memorable moments widely shared across social media.

However, amid all the excitement, an υиєχρє¢тє∂ controversy erupted over the outfit V wore during the soundcheck ahead of the October 14 concert!

Specifically, during the soundcheck at Estadio Nacional in Chile, V was spotted wearing a pair of trousers from the נαραиese fashion brand JULIUS. The long, pleated trousers are part of the brand’s avant-garde collection and are marketed as “Lungi Pants” — a type of garment traditionally αѕѕociated with South Asia.

After images of V wearing the trousers circulated on social media, some netizens, including ιи∂ιαn fans, expressed their anger and disapproval. They argued that the design amounted to blatant cultural appropriation of traditional ιи∂ιαn clothing, with the brand commercializing it without properly acknowledging its cultural origins.

One fan questioned: “Why is a נαραиese designing Lungi and selling it as avant garde? If we rebrand Kimono and sell it as a luxury post shower robe, we will face backlash right?”

Others also pointed out that the brand had allegedly misidentified the style by calling it a “Lungi,” arguing that the pleated design more closely resembles a “Dhoti,” a traditional garment wrapped around the body. They said this raised concerns about the lack of proper research into the traditional clothing the brand was attempting to emulate.

For these reasons, some people began criticizing V, arguing that a global superstar like him wearing the design was helping a נαραиese brand promote what they viewed as cultural appropriation of ιи∂ιαn clothing.

In response to the backlash, ARMYs quickly came to V’s defense. Fans pointed out that the idol has frequently opted for loose-fitting, comfortable clothing for years. It is therefore entirely possible that he chose these trousers simply because they suited his personal style. Wearing a fashion item does not necessarily mean V is fully aware of its design background, cultural origins, or how the brand markets it.

Many ARMYs argued that there should be a distinction between discussing a brand’s cultural responsibility and αѕѕigning blame to someone wearing its product without evidence of deliberate intent. Some also suspected that the controversy was being exploited as another opportunity to attack V, especially given that the idol has recently been the target of baseless rumors and serious threats.

On social media, ARMYs urged the community not to spread unfounded accusations and encouraged fans to report accounts engaging in harαѕѕment or personal attacks. Comments defending V included: "You can blame the brand which steals ιи∂ιαn culture but can not blame the customers", "Leave Taehyung alone. Not everything needs to become a controversy", "Wearing a pair of pants doesn’t mean he endorses everything behind the brand", "Not every fashion choice is a political or cultural statement. Pls be reasonable", "The double standards and unnecessary hate toward taehyung need to stop", "Y’all are blaming Taehyung for simply wearing clothes. This is ridiculous",...