After officially returning to group activities and releasing their album ARIRANG, BTS have continued to prove their immense global popularity through a series of remarkable achievements. At MMA 2026, despite not making an in-person appearance, the group still managed to take home six trophies, including two prestigious Daesangs. However, alongside the joy of their victories, BTS’s absence from one of South кσяєα’s biggest music award ceremonies also became a topic of heated debate on social media.
Some people had suggested that BTS seemed to be gradually distancing themselves from the domestic music scene, particularly because the group had barely appeared at major award ceremonies since reuniting. Some even accused the members of changing after becoming global superstars, allegedly prioritizing money-making opportunities and international activities over their relationship with fans back home.
These comments were partly fueled by the fact that BTS had previously been known for attending almost every year-end music event, while also putting tremendous effort into delivering elaborate performances despite their incredibly busy schedules.
Amid these discussions, V directly addressed the issue with a heartfelt message in a lengthy letter posted on Weverse shortly after MMA 2026 concluded.
V initially pointed to the ARIRANG World Tour as the main reason why the group could not attend MMA 2026, and possibly any of the upcoming year-end award ceremonies. He wrote: “With so many award ceremonies and performances, it can be difficult to participate in just one, and preparing each stage properly requires more time and effort than you might imagine.”
However, he also emphasized: “This decision was never made because one person’s wait mattered more or one ARMY’s love was more precious than another’s. Rather, because we cherish everyone’s patience and love, we want to give our best through what we can do right now.”
The most significant moment came toward the end of his letter, when V directly addressed the remarks suggesting that BTS had developed a “celebrity attitude.” In a tone that was both sincere and playful, he wrote: “Got it?? It’s not that we’ve ℓσѕт our hearts, so please don’t say we’ve become world stars and started acting distant. Okay? Because I can take a picture of you blowing your nose, you know?”
His statement was seen as a clear response to the recent accusations. Despite reaching the status of international superstars, BTS wanted to reaffirm that their love and appreciation for ARMY have never changed. On social media, many fans expressed how deeply moved they were, while also voicing their frustration over the fact that the members had to repeatedly explain their scheduling decisions.
Some notable comments read: “It’s disappointing that he had to spell this out. How much more do we want from them?” Another fan expressed frustration: "Ugh, so tired of these selfish people who just want to control the Tannies as they please (YES, K-ARMY, I’M TALKING TO YOU). You guys have them right there all the time, you’ve been to thousands of award shows, and now they’re on tour, exploring new places and making dreams come true for more ARMYs." Meanwhile, many others sent messages of love to V, appreciating how he always reminds fans just how much they mean to BTS.
In fact, this is far from the first time the members have emphasized that their feelings for ARMY remain unchanged, regardless of their fame or how much time has pαѕѕed.
In a 2023 interview with Marie Claire кσяєα, SUGA once shared: “We say that we’re nobody without our fans, so we have to work for the people who love us.” He emphasized that BTS have always remained aware that their success comes from the people who love and support them.
RM has also repeatedly expressed that BTS and ARMY are essentially two inseparable parts of the same whole. He once famously said: “We didn't come here for the Grammys. We came here for the ARMYs.” For the group's leader, every achievement BTS have earned has always been connected to the support and companionship of their fans.
In an interview with Zane Lowe on Apple Music, Jungkook ever claimed that "I think of ARMY first. It's not my family, it's not the BTS members, but it's ARMY”. He also mentioned: "So as Jung Kook of BTS, I think more about what I do together with ARMY rather than a goal or soмєтнing like that. By these people, or thanks to these people, or because of these people that I'm able to create and have purpose and then as I enjoy myself doing that, it becomes an accomplishment".
Jimin, too, has expressed on numerous occasions that he cannot live without ARMY and that everything he has today is thanks to their love.
From interviews and Weverse posts to concert stages and award speeches, BTS have consistently shown how much they value ARMY, expressing their deep appreciation and affection for the fans who have stood by them throughout their journey.
