In the world of K-pop, there is an obvious yet deeply ironic truth: artists can be close colleagues who consistently show one another respect behind the scenes, but their fans are not always the same. Hidden confrontations and online “fan wars” rarely stem from a single incident; rather, they accumulate over many years. Everyone wants their idol to be “number one,” and when two major icons coexist within the same cultural space, clashes are almost inevitable.
The fandoms of BTS (ARMY) and BIGBANG (V.I.P) are no exception to this mαѕѕive, ongoing conflict. Tensions between the two fandoms have persisted for more than a decade, dating back to BTS’s early debut years. Perhaps because both BTS and BIGBANG are top-tier K-pop icons—and seemingly the only boy groups able to maintain outstanding prestige and relevance up to the present day—the rivalry between their fans has continued to simmer beneath the surface.
This year alone, aside from the daily minor skirmishes on social media, there have been at least two major conflicts involving factions from both fandoms. One occurred in June, when j-hope appeared at the Louis Vuitton headquarters wearing a fashionable brown suit, paired with custom-designed jewelry and luxury sunglαѕѕes, striking bold, edgy poses. The video quickly surpαѕѕed 12 million views on X. However, it also attracted a wave of harsh ridicule, with accusations that he was “copying G-Dragon’s style.” Comments included: “im cryingg he really think hes soмєтнing,” “20 bodyguards for 2 paparazzi and 5 paid random people to act like fans,” “it acting like gdragon,” “What I see is a Temu version of Gdragon,” “He think he is G-dragon,” “gd from shein,” and “he’s trying to imitate gdragon then failed immediately cuz his face is too ugly and has no aura at all,” among others.
Another major clash occurred toward the end of the year in relation to major award ceremonies, particularly MAMA. When G-Dragon was announced as a recipient of top awards, many voices argued that he was “undeserving” or “lacking the necessary merit.” At the same time, others claimed that BTS members such as Jin or j-hope had achieved more notable solo accomplishments over the past year. Debates over the fairness of Daesang awards quickly escalated into insults and hostile attacks, creating an atmosphere of tension between the two fandoms that lasted for days.
While the relationship between the fandoms remained strained, the idols themselves made quiet yet surprising moves that prompted fans to reαѕѕess this prolonged feud.
On the 29th of this month, some netizens noticed that G-Dragon had liked a post featuring Jungkook in collaboration with Chanel Beauty on Elle кσяєα’s Instagram.
Earlier, on the 21st, he had also liked a reel of Jungkook in which the BTS maknae talked about new music and mentioned BIGBANG’s comeback during a Weverse livestream.
Although it was merely a casual “like” on social media, it became a much-needed pause that helped fans calm down amid heightened tensions. When even the so-called “idol of idols” is willing to offer a public nod of approval to a junior artist, all attempts by fans to tear down each other’s idols suddenly feel misplaced and meaningless.
Conversely, from the past to the present, BTS have consistently shown great respect toward BIGBANG and G-Dragon. From their early debut days, Jungkook and Jimin have openly declared themselves devoted fans of their seniors and have performed several cover stages. SUGA, j-hope, and RM have also frequently cited BIGBANG’s music as a major source of inspiration throughout their careers.
j-hope and G-Dragon have taken selfies together at several events. j-hope is also known to have a very close relationship with Taeyang, whom he once invited to his solo album listening party. Meanwhile, RM has attended events alongside G-Dragon as well. In mid-December, j-hope and Jungkook even went to G-Dragon’s concert in Seoul together with members of SEVENTEEN.
In a subsequent livestream, Jungkook shared his thoughts, saying: “I went to GD-hyungnim’s concert yesterday. It was a lot of fun. It made me remember the past, and the concert itself was fun and cool, but I think the best part was being able to recall those times. So I met hyungnim, and we got to chat a bit.”
These moments clearly demonstrate that the idols themselves maintain good relationships. There is no reason for fans to distort those relationships through their own subjective interpretations. Protecting one’s idol is admirable, but diminishing others to elevate the person one loves only creates division and emotional harm.
As G-Dragon and the members of BTS continue to show mutual goodwill and respectful support, perhaps it is time for fans to learn to do the same. Maybe the time has finally come for ARMY and V.I.P to close the chapter on years of conflict.
