The leader of BTS, RM, has become the unexpected target of a wave of racist attacks and malicious comments online. This surge of hate stems from a bitter and escalating online feud between South Korean netizens and those from Southeast Asia (SEA). As the group prepares for their massive 2026 world tour, fans worldwide are growing increasingly worried for the artist’s safety and mental well-being. In response, the ARMY has mobilized a powerful protection campaign, using the hashtag #PurpleRibbonForRM to flood social media with love and demand an end to the abuse.
How an Online Feud Dragged RM Into the Crossfire
The situation does not involve RM directly. The conflict began with disagreements over concert etiquette, specifically criticism of a Korean fan who brought a large camera into a DAY6 concert in Malaysia. This incident ignited a wider, toxic cultural clash online between netizens from South Korea and various SEA countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam .
In this heated environment, RM became an innocent proxy for retaliation. Antagonists within the feud began using photos of the BTS leader, some even edited with blackface, to launch racist attacks . The hate is not based on anything RM has done, but uses his image as a weapon in a broader cultural war.
Fans have been quick to point out the injustice. One fan expressed their distress on social media, stating, “the amount of racism joon has been subjected in the last 2 days over absolutely no relation to whatever race war is happening is just insane; its inhumane and disgusting what they’re doing to him” . Another fan highlighted the personal nature of the attacks, adding, “the hate against namjoon is not even normal anymore. y’all dragging him for nothing like he isn’t even problematic it’s just baseless accusations. y’all make fun of how he looks and act and is racist and xenophobic every other day” .
#PurpleRibbonForRM: ARMY’s Campaign to Shield Namjoon
In the face of this vicious online abuse, BTS’ dedicated fandom, ARMY, has not stayed silent. Understanding the potential for real-world harm, especially with a tour on the horizon, fans have launched the #PurpleRibbonForRM campaign. The purple ribbon is a longstanding symbol within the fandom, representing safety and a promise to protect the artists. It was previously used by member V to request safe, respectful distance from fans at airports .
Now, the symbol has been repurposed for the digital world. Fans are using the hashtag to:
- Flood racist posts with positive messages and photos of RM.
- Share guides on how to report abusive and dehumanizing content to platform administrators .
- Remind each other to protect RM’s peace by not drawing his attention to the hate.
- Call on HYBE and BigHit Music to take stronger measures to ensure the safety of their artists, both online and offline, during the upcoming tour .
The concern is so high that some fans are even urging the group to skip countries where the hate is most virulent. One worried fan posted, “I hope joon skips Indonesia during tour locals in that country are fucking racist and violent atp they might physically harm him” . Another echoed this sentiment with a repetitive plea for his protection: “free namjoon from Indonesian kpop stans” . Conversely, some accounts from the region have pushed hashtags like #StopBTSIndonesiaConcert, further escalating tensions .
A Pattern of Increased Scrutiny and Attacks on BTS
This recent targeting of RM does not exist in a vacuum. In the lead-up to their highly anticipated 2026 comeback and tour, BTS members have faced a series of renewed attacks and intense scrutiny from various corners.
Controversy Over Old Content Resurfaces
Old clips of the members have been dug up and taken out of context to spark fresh outrage. A past live broadcast featuring RM and Jin recently went viral. In the clip, RM makes a joke about Jin’s BT21 character, RJ, saying it was “bombed” and “starved” during a war. While the moment was intended as a silly joke among friends, it was met with severe backlash online, with some netizens accusing the members of being insensitive to serious global issues like war and starvation .
Global Incidents and Misinterpretations
The group has also been caught in global controversies. A Mexican entertainment show recently sparked outrage by making insulting and classist remarks about BTS and their fans. During a segment about ticket sales for the upcoming Mexico City concerts, guests called the group “unknown singers” and made the outrageous claim that “at least half of the fans didn’t even finish elementary school” . The comments were a massive miscalculation, leading to a powerful backlash where ARMY from around the world, including medical doctors and research scientists, posted their credentials online to debunk the baseless insults. The incident even drew attention from Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who has shown support for the group .
Physical Safety and Privacy Violations
The concern for the members’ safety extends beyond the digital realm. In February 2026, BTS faced chaotic and dangerous scenes at Incheon Airport as they returned to Seoul. They were swarmed by an uncontrollable crowd, with fans and cameras pushed aggressively into their personal space, making it difficult for security to protect them . This incident, along with a report of a foreign woman allegedly pretending to be a reporter to get close to Jimin, has reignited calls for stricter safety protocols and legal action against those who breach the artists’ boundaries .
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What This Means for BTS’ 2026 Tour
As BTS gears up for their 2026 world tour, which includes major stops like Singapore in December and Mexico City in May, these incidents cast a long shadow . The #PurpleRibbonForRM campaign is more than just a trending topic; it is a desperate plea from fans for the industry, media, and fellow concert-goers to remember the humanity of the artists. They are asking for the same thing the purple ribbon has always symbolized: a safe space and respectful distance, allowing the music to be the focus, not the chaos or the hate.
The coming months will be crucial in seeing how HYBE and local promoters manage the safety and security of the members across different continents, and whether the online vitriol can be calmed before it impacts the tour’s positive spirit.
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