Unpopular opinion
I love BTS, and I’ve always supported them, but lately I’ve been feeling conflicted about the difference between what they say about their relationship with ARMY and how things sometimes play out when certain issues come up.
They often say that ARMY is their voice and that our bond is based on mutual respect. ARMY is always there to support BTS, defend them, and stand by them. But sometimes, when it’s their turn to speak up, it feels very quiet.
When BTS attended CB’s concert, some fans were disappointed because they felt his values conflict with the values BTS have spoken about. Fans expressed that disappointment, but I don’t feel their concerns were really acknowledged.
Some fans used Hobi saying that he cares about ARMY and RM wearing the Whitney Houston T-shirt as signs that BTS were trying to communicate something. But at the same time, they seemed unwilling to acknowledge that choosing to attend CB’s concert can also be seen as a statement — one that naturally made some fans feel that BTS were supporting the artist by being there. I don’t think it’s fair to interpret the things we want to see as meaningful statements while dismissing the meaning of their actual actions.
The other situation that stayed with me was when CB called a girl a h*e. I’m not saying BTS had to get involved or address every situation, but the silence was difficult to see. ARMY is often very quick to defend BTS when they are criticized, so it felt disappointing that there wasn’t the same energy when another woman was being publicly degraded.
Especially as a fandom made up largely of women who often talk about supporting and protecting women, I found that difficult to understand.
I’m not saying BTS need to respond to every controversy, and I’m not saying ARMY has to agree on everything. I just think that if ARMY is their voice, that voice should also be allowed to express disappointment, ask questions, and hold people accountable when something feels wrong.