The K-pop fandom is clearly a large, global community that transcends boundaries of nationality, language, and culture. Fans from Asia, Europe, the αмєяι¢αs, and Africa are connected through music, social media, and various fandom activities. However, precisely because of this diversity, conflicts are sometimes inevitable, including tensions between local кσяєαn fans and international fans. The recent incident surrounding DAY6’s concert serves as a representative example of this phenomenon.

Specifically, the controversy originated from DAY6’s concert at Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in late January. At that time, some кσяєαn fansites were accused of bringing professional cameras into restricted areas and taking photos in violation of the venue’s rules. Local attendees shared videos of the incident online, and Southeast Asian fans criticized the behavior, arguing that the organizer’s regulations should be respected.

In response to the backlash from Asian fans—particularly those from Malaysia and Indonesia—some кσяєαn netizens defended the fansites and criticized international fans, leading to a heated debate between the two sides on social media. The exchanges intensified on platforms such as X and Threads, with region-based hashtags and labels further deepening the divide, including “Knetz” (кσяєαn netizens) and “SEAblings.” Moreover, derogatory remarks targeting race, appearance, and socioeconomic status pushed the negativity of the situation to an extreme level.

What is even more notable is that RM—who was not involved in the controversy—suddenly became a target of online attacks simply because he was “chosen to represent famous кσяєαn public figures.” Numerous posts began circulating that contained racially charged insults and edited images mocking the artist’s appearance.

The attack on BTS’s leader not only demonstrates the irrationality of certain netizens but also exposes the dark side of ŕäċïṩṃ disguised as “debate.” This was no longer a disagreement over opinions; it had transformed into a deliberate campaign of hate, directly undermining the artist’s dignity and public image.

At this point, ARMYs could not remain silent while RM was subjected to such unwarranted hostility. Fans worldwide organized coordinated online campaigns to counter the criticism. Hashtags such as #PurpleRibbonForRM, #ArmyStandWithRM, #ShieldNamjoonWithLove, #WeProtectRM, and #RMIsLovedGlobally trended on X. Along with these, edited images of RM featuring purple ribbons—a symbol previously used by fans to express protection and solidarity with BTS members—were widely shared.

Fans also circulated messages emphasizing unity and mental health awareness. Meanwhile, for harmful or offensive comments and posts targeting RM, fans encouraged the fandom to condemn, flag, and report them.

ARMYs’ reaction was marked by anger and a strong determination to protect RM, as he had been dragged into a controversy completely unrelated to him:

- Yes, We are UNITED when it comes to protecting Namjoon. Send tags to your gcs. RT & Reply to trend. WE LOVE YOU RM ARMY ALWAYS PROTECT RM PURPLE RIBBON FOR RM DEAR RM YOU ARE LOVED

- The Indonesians they should have attacked were the idols of the кσяєαns who insulted their country, but they won't because they know that the кσяєαns who insulted their country are fans of the Big 3 groups just like them. Because this started with a concert in Malaysia where groups from those companies, especially YG, performed, and in fact 100% of those яα¢ιѕт Indonesians are fans of a certain group that performed, and it's known that that fandom has always hated BTS, especially Namjoon.

- And Kpop Stans laughing and getting нιт tweets dragging him. Idk y’all this is getting out of hands. We should report those accounts to company

- Namjoon is the one I look after whenever I get stuck somewhere he is my strength even the seven of them is our strength and seeing them always get dragged for nothing….wonder why when they are this kindest people on earth . I always find motivation in his each messages , letters

- I still don't get what problem they have with namjoon. What did he do to them that they have to involve him in to their яα¢ιѕт sh't. It's really annoying to see him always being the target of the sh*ts where he or bts is not even involved . I hope karma will get them very badly

- the hate against namjoon is not even normal anymore. y'all dragging him for nothing like he isn't even problematic it's just baseless accusations. y'all make fun of how he looks and act and is яα¢ιѕт and xenophobic every other day. it has a limit, i just hope he don't see these.

- Don’t engaged just report. I’m Indonesian, indo netz desire just want to annoy, if you respond only fullfill their ego more. Indo netz’s way to handle each other troll is “anyepin aja” means don’t engage just mαѕѕ block n report.

- Namjoon does not deserve this hate. No one deserves this kind of negativity. He has done nothing except spread love. It’s time for us to show up and support him. He is human. His mental health matters. If we don’t stop this now, this hate will only continue.

- The best leader, who at one time gave his all to the group, gets hate for being too good compared to other idols.