BTS V’s latest Instagram post has sparked a backlash online.
On July 21, KST, the singer posted a series of old pictures on his Instagram, which included a picture of a bag of fries from McDonald’s.
While BTS’s association with McDonald’s isn’t new, in the current global climate, the brand carries bigger implications than just a fast-food chain. It is one of the top brands named as a boycott target by the BDS (Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions) movement. After Israel launched its deadly attacks on the civilians of the Gaza Strip, which the International Court of Justice recognized as crimes against humanity, McDonald’s started donating free meals to the Israeli army. After the boycott against the brand intensified globally, McDonald’s bought all its Israeli restaurants. That, however, didn’t change BDS’s stance on the boycott since the move only amplified the fast-food chain’s investment in Israel.
A significant part of ARMYs, both Palestinians and allies, have been campaigning for months, urging HYBE to cut ties with Zionism. In the more recent months, the group has urged BTS directly to speak up in solidarity with Palestinians. So, amidst this sensitive situation, V’s post featuring the McDonald’s fries has caused deep hurt in their fan community.
this is just haunting. pic.twitter.com/FMya29vo01
— s (@yoongienthusias) July 21, 2024
Some felt that it was an unfortunate consequence of pro-Palestinian fans being censored heavily by their co-fans in online spaces, which prevented the BTS members from even knowing what their fans were asking of them.
Meanwhile, others argued that the members have enough access to the internet to know what the world is witnessing right now. Many even pointed out that V, unlike his other bandmates, is posted in Seoul, and the city has been seeing pro-Palestinian marches every week. So, the chances of him being ignorant about the issue might be even slimmer.
these men are grown ups and there are constantly protests in the middle of seoul. you would think that someone in the special forces, literally stationed in seoul, wouldn’t have heard about these protests? at this point it’s inexcusable.
Some fans opined that the photos he posted were all old pictures and didn’t necessarily imply his support for the brand. But others countered, saying that idols are extra careful about displaying brands on their social media, and when they do, it is most definitely an endorsement. V himself has been very particular about not displaying any brand that he isn’t professionally involved with on his Instagram.
Some fans tried to fight back the criticism, citing that certain local branches of McDonald’s have donated to aid the people of Gaza. But they were quickly corrected by others who pointed out that much like Starbucks, regardless of their ownership, these restaurants have to pay a certain charge to the fast-food chain to use their branding, which inevitably ties them to the parent company.
V is not the only idol who has received pushback for his association with McDonald’s.
aespa’s collaboration with the brand also received massive criticism from their own fans.
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