BTS in trouble in China over Korean War comments

By Adeline Cheah Wei Li

BTS (from right to left): V, Suga, Jin, Jungkook, RM, Jimin & J-Hope | Source: BigHit Entertainment

16 NOVEMBER 2020 – Popular South Korean boy group, BTS, is receiving backlash in China over comments made by a member about the Korean War.

During a speech, the leader of the group, RM, talked about South Korea’s history with the United States of America over the conflict that occurred in the 1950-1953 where both countries disputed.

His statements angered many Chinese fans as Beijing, China had supported the North during the war period. Due to this controversy, many commercials have been affected. Advertisements from famous and well-known companies such as Samsung, Fila, and Hyundai have vanished from multiple Chinese websites and social media platforms. However, the cause of it being removed is still unknown.

As K-POP has many fans that originate from China, BTS is no exception. A vast majority of their fanbase are from China with almost five million fans on China’s most popular social media platform, Weibo.

BTS’ leader, RM, had mentioned his comments when BTS obtained an award that celebrated the relations between the US and South Korea.

"We will always remember the history of pain that our two nations shared together and the sacrifices of countless men and women.”

Unfortunately, his words caused backlash and an unhappy response towards many Chinese social media users.

"They [BTS] should not make any money from China," a Weibo user commented. "If you want to make money from Chinese fans you have to consider our feelings."

According to a nationalistic newspaper, the Global Times, "Chinese netizens said the band's totally one-sided attitude to the Korean War hurts their feelings and negates history", stating that the remarks made were intended to “play up” towards the Western audience.

During the war, approximately 200,000 South Korean soldiers and 36,000 American soldiers died during the Korean War. It is also said that 180,000 soldiers in China lost their lives.

Many fans were quick to defend the idol and planned to stay subtle and quiet on the posts. Some fans took it to Twitter to shield the group from retaliation. This dispute occurred a few days before BigHit Entertainment’s plans of publicizing a public offering in Seoul that would increase the company’s value by 4 billion.