BTS V’s viral moment with Anna Wintour at Paris Fashion Week leads to fan anger at HYBE for perceived interference in his solo opportunities
BTS V (Kim Taehyung) made headlines after a video showed Anna Wintour, Vogue’s global editorial director, personally inviting him to Vogue World: Hollywood during Paris Fashion Week. The interaction, which fans celebrated, quickly turned controversial when HYBE staff intervened, leading to accusations of the company restricting V’s solo career moves.
Viral Moment Between V and Anna Wintour
On July 19, 2025, V attended the Celine Spring/Summer 2026 show in Paris, where he met Anna Wintour. In a widely shared clip, Wintour said:
“We’re hoping that you’re coming to our event in Hollywood in October.”
V responded excitedly with “Wow!” and, after Wintour’s playful insistence, agreed with “Okay!” However, before details could be finalized, his manager stepped in, saying:
“We’ll try to figure it out. We have a lot of things to work on. We’ll let you know.”
Wintour firmly replied, “He needs to come,” leaving fans amused but frustrated at HYBE’s perceived control.
Fans Criticize HYBE for Micromanaging V’s Career
The clip sparked outrage among fans, who accused HYBE of blocking V’s opportunities. Many argued that the manager’s interruption was unnecessary, as Wintour’s invitation was directed at V personally. Social media erupted with hashtags like #LetTaehyungDecide and #HYBEFreeV, with fans claiming the company has a history of limiting his solo projects.
One fan tweeted:
“Taehyung is a global superstar who can handle his own commitments. Why does HYBE keep speaking for him?”
Others pointed out that V has previously expressed interest in fashion collaborations, making the incident even more frustrating for supporters.
Signs V Might Attend Vogue World: Hollywood
Despite no official confirmation, fans found clues suggesting V’s possible attendance:
- Lisa Love, Vogue’s West Coast Director, followed V on Instagram—a rare move, as she doesn’t follow other K-pop idols.
- Industry insiders speculate that Wintour’s direct invitation hints at a bigger role, possibly a Vogue cover or a performance at the event.
Vogue World: Hollywood is set for October 26, 2025, at Paramount Studios, blending fashion and film for charity. The event will support costume designers affected by recent wildfires, adding to its significance.
HYBE’s History of Controversies
This isn’t the first time HYBE has faced backlash over artist treatment. In October 2024, leaked internal documents revealed derogatory comments about K-pop artists, leading to public apologies and employee reassignments. Fans of Seventeen and other HYBE artists also criticized the company for unfair policies.
What’s Next for V?
While HYBE hasn’t commented on the Vogue World invitation, fans remain hopeful. The event’s high-profile nature aligns with V’s growing influence in fashion, making his potential appearance a major moment.
