For the first time in perhaps a decade, up until today, there seems to be a rift between some fans and the BTS members, marking what may be the first such division in the history of the fandom. The conflict stems from some members’ recent actions involving Chris Brown — a highly controversial artist, particularly due to allegations of νισℓєи¢є, ѕєχual misconduct, and criminal offenses.
RM and j-hope flew to ¢αиα∂α to attend a concert as part of Usher and Chris Brown’s R&B Tour. The two later shared several moments of themselves happily enjoying and immersing themselves in the concert atmosphere on Instagram. Meanwhile, just one day earlier, V and Jungkook had also listened to songs by Chris Brown during a post-concert livestream with fans in Baltimore.
These actions left some fans disappointed, with many arguing that the members’ behavior went against the messages of love, protecting women, and standing against νισℓєи¢є that BTS have promoted over the years. The disappointment was further fueled by harsh criticism. Even Jungkook, who merely reposted a post from Usher featuring a photo with j-hope and RM, without Chris Brown being directly present, was dragged into the backlash and heavily criticized.
The backlash did not stop at criticizing the idols. Some fans went as far as announcing that they were leaving the ARMY fandom after years of supporting BTS. One comment that drew attention read: “In 9 years of being in this fandom, this is the FIRST time I’m genuinely DISAPPOINTED. And I’m not going to hide that.” A series of posts announcing their departure from the fandom spread across X. Some people even went as far as tearing up group photos, while others took things further by posting photos of themselves giving BTS the middle finger to express their anger.
Amid the uproar over fans “leaving the fandom,” the BTS members’ previous remarks about fans coming and going have υиєχρє¢тє∂ly resurfaced, drawing significant attention from ARMYs.
During a personal livestream, RM once openly expressed his belief on the matter: “The people who used to like us, and then disliked us later might even return when we do well. We'll be working with that sort of mindset.” He also acknowledged that BTS have a huge number of followers and, naturally, not everyone will feel the same way. “Anyways, since there are many types of people watching, I know that not everyone can feel the same. I'd be grateful if you understood that, but even if you don't, there's nothing I can do. I will fight and push forward with my will and love,” he shared.
Jungkook also expressed a similar view when talking about fans leaving the fandom. He was not surprised by the fact that fans come and go, and said that he had learned to accept such situations. He even bravely said goodbye to those who had already left the fandom: “There are some of you who may have already left. But I still want to thank you all no matter when you used to love us. I just wanted to say thank you for sharing all those moments with us.”
But what came after was truly surprising! Jungkook assured fans that they could leave anytime they wanted, but one thing would never change—the fact that he and BTS would always be there whenever fans needed them: “I’ll always stay here. Whenever ARMY wants to see me, you can come here anytime. Also when you have to leave or when you want to leave, you can leave at any time. whenever you want. But as long as you remember this, I will always stay here.”
What all of BTS’s remarks have in common is the immense respect they have for their fans, including those who are no longer ARMY. The members do not see a fan leaving the fandom as a betrayal, nor do they try to force anyone to continue supporting them. Instead, they accept everyone’s freedom to choose and even remain open to welcoming those who eventually return.
Therefore, amid the current controversy, BTS’s old words feel even more meaningful. Fans absolutely have the right to feel disappointed, question, or disagree with their idols’ choices. However, if BTS have always respected each person’s freedom to choose who they love and support, then they should also receive that same respect from their own fans.
On the other hand, there is a huge difference between “supporting an individual’s wrongdoing” and “acknowledging their objective contributions to music and choreography.” As artists who have worked at the top of the industry for more than a decade, BTS might view attending such a concert as an opportunity to experience music and dance culture, rather than an endorsement of the personal character of the artist on stage.
Even if we disagree with the members’ actions, we should not distort a private night out to enjoy music into the label that “BTS are actively supporting an abuser.” Don’t start acting like BTS are somehow on the same level as the abuser simply because they went to his concert or enjoyed his music. We can be disappointed in the members’ choices without equating them with the person who actually committed those acts.
Ultimately, a love that is strong and understanding enough will not collapse over a single moment like this. From the perspective of many genuine ARMYs, the departure of some overly hostile fans may even be seen as a necessary process of “clearing out the bad and keeping the good” — removing toxic elements and returning BTS to the purest and most sincere support possible.
