BTS member Taehyung, also known as V, faced criticism after interacting with singer Eric Nam at the 2025 Frieze Seoul art event. The incident occurred during the annual Paradise Art Night in Incheon on September 1, 2025. Videos showed Taehyung and Eric Nam hugging and talking warmly. This led to negative reactions from some netizens due to Eric Nam’s past political controversies. However, many fans quickly defended Taehyung, calling the criticism unfair and pointing out their long-term friendship.
The event was part of Seoul’s biggest art week, attracting celebrities, artists, and cultural figures from around the world. Taehyung attended alongside fellow BTS member RM. He wore an all-black custom outfit by JayBaek Couture, which included a tailored jacket and trousers. His appearance was widely noted by fashion media and attendees. During the event, Taehyung was seen greeting Eric Nam enthusiastically, interrupting an interview to hug him and catch up. The two expressed joy at seeing each other after a long time.
“Eric has always supported BTS, even when they were nugus. That is why the boys like him.”
“Why all of a sudden everything BTS members do is a problem. So when they go to events they must now go in a bubble suit and speak and look at nobody.”
Eric Nam’s Past Controversies Explained
Eric Nam faced backlash in 2023 for liking an Instagram post that advocated neutrality in the Israel-Palestine conflict. This led to allegations of him supporting Zionist views. Some netizens criticized Taehyung for associating with Eric Nam, citing these past actions. They took to social media to express their disappointment and called for BTS and their company to distance themselves from Eric Nam.
Despite the controversy, Eric Nam has continued his activities in the entertainment industry. He hosts a podcast through DIVE STUDIOS and has interacted with other K-pop idols without significant backlash. Fans noted that several other celebrities have maintained relationships with Eric Nam, but BTS members often become primary targets during such controversies. This has led to accusations of double standards in how netizens treat BTS compared to other artists.
“Eric Nam is a z!onist. STOP ASSOCIATING WITH Z!ONISTS. DO BETTER.”
“Eric Nam is a zionist and idgaf abt anything else.”
Support from the BTS Fandom
Fans of BTS, known as ARMY, rallied to defend Taehyung after the criticism. They emphasized that Taehyung and Eric Nam have been friends for years, dating back to BTS’s early days as underground artists. Eric Nam hosted Arirang TV’s ‘After School Club,’ where BTS frequently appeared as guests. This history of support and friendship was cited by fans as reason enough for their warm interaction.
Many fans also pointed out that Taehyung should not be held responsible for Eric Nam’s personal views. They argued that celebrities interact with many people at events and such brief encounters do not imply endorsement of political stances. Some fans expressed frustration that Taehyung and BTS are often singled out for criticism, while other idols who interact with Eric Nam face less scrutiny.
“The hate towards bts is insane, the boys never did anything to anyone, i can’t understand why they hate him so much.”
“taehyung breathes and is suddenly the only one responsible for every sh*t, he needs to be free from armys and kpop stans.”
Taehyung’s Recent Activities and Military Service
Taehyung recently completed his mandatory military service in June 2025. He served as a Sergeant in the Ssangyong Military Police Special Task Force, an elite counter-terrorism unit. Despite his enlistment, he released several singles in 2024, including “FRI(END)S” in March and winter tracks like “Winter Ahead” with Park Hyo-shin and a collaboration with Bing Crosby.
After his discharge, Taehyung made his first public appearance at the 2025 Paris Fashion Week as an ambassador for Celine. He also featured on the cover of W Korea’s September issue. His attendance at the Frieze Seoul event marked another high-profile public engagement since returning to civilian life.
Other Highlights from Frieze Seoul 2025
The Frieze Seoul event featured numerous celebrities from the Korean entertainment industry. Besides Taehyung and RM, BLACKPINK members Jisoo, Rosé, and Lisa attended the event. Actors like Park Seo-joon, Bae Doona, and Kim Min-jae were also present. The event included art exhibitions, performances, and luxury fashion displays, highlighting Seoul’s growing status as a global cultural hub.
Taehyung’s interaction with Eric Nam was not the only talking point from the event. Fans also noticed that Taehyung’s casual outfit at a subsequent Seoul Art Exhibition resembled clothing worn by BTS member Jungkook in the past. This led to playful comments online about the two sharing fashion sense and closet choices.
Broader Implications for Celebrity Interactions
This incident reflects broader issues around celebrity interactions and public expectations. Fans and netizens often hold celebrities to high standards regarding their associations and public statements. However, spontaneous interactions at social events may not always reflect deliberate endorsements. This situation shows how past controversies can resurface and impact present-day relationships in the public eye.
The debate also touches on the role of fans in defending their idols. While some fans demand accountability for associations, others argue for separating personal friendships from political views. This balance between support and criticism remains a challenging aspect of fan culture in the K-pop industry.
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