Recent events have sparked a debate about hypocrisy within the BTS fandom after claims surfaced about a fan protest involving NewJeans. The controversy revolves around misinformation and misunderstandings about the nature and timing of the protest.
The Protest Misunderstanding
A recent claim suggested that NewJeans fans would be sending funeral wreaths to the HYBE building in protest. This protest was said to last from July 30 to August 1, 2024. The situation became complicated when it was pointed out that this protest would overlap with LE SSERAFIM Chaewon’s birthday on August 1, 2024.
The initial interpretation by some netizens was that the protest aimed to target Chaewon deliberately. However, fans of NewJeans clarified that their intention was to protest against Bang Si Hyuk and HYBE, not LE SSERAFIM or any individual member.
Reaction from BTS Fans
The issue quickly gained traction on X, with various fandoms becoming involved. Notably, BTS fans, known as ARMY, voiced their opinions. One viral comment, which received over a million views, emphasized that ARMY had never resorted to such extreme measures, even during disputes with BLACKPINK fans.
Key Points:
- BTS fans (ARMY) expressed their opinions on the protest, highlighting their own past experiences.
- One viral post claimed that ARMY had never used similar tactics, comparing it to the NewJeans situation.
Accusations of Hypocrisy
NewJeans fans responded by accusing ARMY of hypocrisy. They pointed out that the protest was not aimed at LE SSERAFIM or Chaewon but rather at HYBE’s management. The fans of NewJeans also highlighted a similar incident involving ARMY:
- On May 7, 2024, ARMY sent wreaths to HYBE as a form of protest, coinciding with Minji’s birthday, although this protest lasted only one day.
Key Points:
- ARMY’s protest on Minji’s birthday was similar in nature to the one currently being criticized.
- This comparison has fueled accusations of hypocrisy from NewJeans fans.
Misinformation and Criticism
The controversy was further intensified by a post from an account named Sniper21, which many criticized as spreading false information. The account was accused of having a biased agenda against NewJeans.
Key Points:
- Sniper21’s post was criticized for misinformation, painting NewJeans fans unfairly.
- The account admitted to harboring negative sentiments towards NewJeans.