Love for an idol is just like any other romantic relationship. Loving an idol can last for a very long time—perhaps even forever—but it can also fade away after a certain period. Leaving a fandom is normal, and this often happens with K-pop groups. Even BTS is no exception.
Over the past decade, both BTS and ARMY have witnessed many fans leaving the fandom for various reasons. Some moved on to support other idols, some ℓσѕт their pαѕѕion for music, while others left due to personal circumstances. These fans, though no longer active supporters, still showed respect toward the fandom and their former idols—a gesture that is admirable and worth appreciating.
However, there have also been many cases where fans left BTS noisily and behaved disrespectfully. Even more surprisingly, some who claimed to be former fans joined in spreading or believing malicious online rumors and slander. They began to claim that BTS had changed for the worse or done soмєтнing wrong—that the members were no longer the idols they once loved.
This situation has become increasingly common recently as Jungkook was dragged into AI-generated dating rumors. A series of anonymous accounts spread fabricated videos and photos, accusing Jungkook of bringing “girlfriends” to his home several times in 2023. Malicious users even labeled him the “Busan Cycle,” implying that he had multiple casual relationships with different women.
Even though ARMYs quickly proved that the videos and photos had been edited by AI—and the original footage clearly showed Jungkook returning home alone—many people were still fooled by the rumors. Shockingly, some of those people were individuals who once called themselves Jungkook’s fans. There have been cases of so-called “ex-fans” turning against him, posting extreme content like threats, tearing up photos, or even burning Jungkook and BTS merchandise.
This situation reminded many fans of soмєтнing Jungkook once said when he was asked how he would feel if fans left the fandom.
He said: "You want to try other groups? Haha it's your freedom! But I don't care too much about that...I just work hard for those cheering me on! so I don't care too much about that~ Even like when people write hate comments I'm grateful because that means they have that time for me~ I'm thankful to them.
But of course I don't like them. I can not like them too right! Of course I don't like the people who write bad about me. just for those who cheer me on. I'm just going to work and live hard for you all! I am confident that I will not change like that. until my knees give up and my voice doesn't come out, until what I can do, and I receive so much strength from you guys so I will live hard! Anyway I'm always grateful!"
Another touching message from Jungkook has also resurfaced, as ARMYs bring it back to remind fellow fans to reflect on themselves.
The Golden Maknae once said: “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.”
He added: “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”.
Jungkook’s words reveal his kindness and maturity toward his fans. Yet, it’s ironic that some of those who once claimed to love him turned their backs so quickly, all because of AI-generated dating rumors. These people are not only foolish for failing to tell what’s real and fake but also cruel for joining in the slander and hate against him for things he never actually did.
True ARMYs pointed out that incidents like these help cleanse the fandom of toxic individuals who don’t deserve Jungkook and BTS’s love. This makes them feel relieved rather than angry. Still, they’re furious that their idol has to endure such baseless criticism.
Meanwhile, Jungkook’s past words have been resurfacing across social media as a wake-up call for fans—reminding everyone to act with the same sincerity and respect that Jungkook himself shows toward them. Many have responded with comments such as: "REAL ARMYS ARE ALWAYS HERE JUNGKOOK", "We will love you forever. I'll support anything that makes you happy because you deserve all the happiness in the world", "That makes me love him even more. Jungkook, I am grateful I have you ", "Haters cannot relate, I purple you Jungkook", "I’m not leaving! I won’t leave! Where would I go", "Antis need to leave him alone and stop hating on him if they don’t know anything about his personality",...
