About a week ago, in the December 12 episode of the MBC variety show Hangout with Yoo, Epik High member Tukutz shared an unpleasant experience related to a past remark in which he had referred to BTS’s V as his “rival” on Radio Star. According to Tukutz, the term “rival” was used in an entirely positive sense — referring to someone greater than himself, someone he wanted to grow closer to — and it was clearly meant as a joke that anyone could recognize as such.

“When I appeared on Radio Star in the past, I named BTS’s V as my rival, saying, ‘I think a rival is someone bigger than me, someone I want to get closer to, so this year’s rival will be V,’” Tukutz explained, recounting the context.

However, for some fans, the comment was interpreted in a more negative way. Tukutz revealed that he received insulting direct messages from an overseas fan. Yoo Jae Suk laughed and remarked, “They really insulted you creatively,” to which Tukutz added that the message included the line, “F**K YOU Taehyung is more handsome than you.” He then admitted, “That’s true, but it really feels unpleasant.”

The story quickly spread across social media, sparking debate within the ARMY community about the boundary between protecting one’s idol and excessive fan behavior. Many ARMYs then immediately expressed regret that a small number of fans had reacted too strongly toward Epik High — a senior group that BTS has repeatedly expressed admiration for and respect toward.

However, some fans still voiced dissatisfaction with Epik High’s decision to publicly expose the incident involving ARMYs. They argued that it was an issue from the past and that bringing up negative fandom behavior again was unnecessary and sensitive, especially at a time just before BTS’s return, potentially affecting the group.

Amid this delicate situation between ARMYs and Epik High, BTS’s most recent live broadcast on December 21 appeared to subtly aim at easing the tension. As the seven members casually chatted about recent aspects of their daily lives, SUGA υиєχρє¢тє∂ly mentioned, “I’ve been watching Epik High hyungs’ YouTube a lot lately.” Jimin immediately chimed in with visible enthusiasm, saying, “They’re so funny! It was really fun to watch!”

It is known that Epik High’s YouTube channel receive a lot of considerable love for its everyday-life content in the EPIKASE series. Rather than focusing solely on music, the three members present a natural, relatable side of themselves through videos featuring food, travel, spontaneous challenges, and candid conversations about life and mental well-being. The channel also includes engaging collaborations with other artists such as Davichi, ATEEZ, and various other interactive content formats.

Although Jimin and SUGA’s remarks sounded like simple compliments toward Epik High’s content, their timing — coming shortly after the Tukutz incident — drew particular attention from ARMYs.

Many fans believe that the mention of Epik High was not entirely coincidental, but rather a conscious choice made with an awareness of the situation Tukutz had recently addressed on television. Without directly referencing the controversy, pαѕѕing judgment, or openly defending any party, the members chose instead to express respect and appreciation for their seniors in a positive, public, and natural manner. This approach was widely seen as a reasonable and exemplary way to guide fans, helping shift negative perspectives and bring the narrative back onto a healthier path.

ARMYs are now actively discussing the situation and are also calling on fellow fans to act with restraint and reduce unnecessary sensitivity toward fellow artists — especially senior musicians — when they mention or interact with BTS:

- They know all the situations. Tukutz even spoke about it publicly on a television program. A small number of ARMYs ended up embarrαѕѕing the entire fandom, while BTS were put in an awkward position in front of the seniors they deeply respect. Do you see the consequences now?

- This whole situation is so embarrαѕѕing. A joke was taken way too far and now BTS are stuck in the middle when they shouldn’t be

- Epik High are certified comedians. I love them so much. EPIKASE x Run BTS please coming soon. And we're so sorry for the att@ck you suffer from some toxic individuals. We respect Epik High like Bangtan always do!

- Probably an elementary fan who can’t recognize a joke. Mianhae Djnim. Everyone just respect Epik High! They're BTS's sunbaenim

- Come on Army! We can do better than this! See how SUGA and Jimin remind us, just respect

- Obviously, the toxicity of a small number of fans does not damage BTS’s relationships with their peers and seniors, because it does not represent them. However, it clearly makes those relationships awkward. BTS are placed in the middle of fans and othe artists. And I’m sure they do not agree with people who are rude and disrespectful toward their colleagues. Learn to show respect and calm down if you don’t want to negatively affect BTS.

- I really respect how SUGA and Jimin handled this. They didn’t call anyone out, but they clearly showed respect for Epik High in the most mature way

- Some fans really need to learn the difference between protecting your idol and being straight-up rude to other artists

- The way Jimin and Yoongi casually praised Epik High felt intentional and clαѕѕy. That’s how you de-escalate tension without creating more drama

- BTS have always respected their seniors, and this situation just proves again that the members’ mindset is way more mature than a few loud fans online