BTS is arguably one of the most, if not the most, influential artists in the world right now. RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook have reached the superstardom status and have millions of supporters all around the globe.
While BTS is currently living their dream, being popular and successful has its downside as well. With their huge influence, everything that RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook say is a big deal. Of course, the Big Hit Entertainment boy group couldn’t please everyone every single time, which is why they sometimes receive backlash for the things that they have said and done.
Recently, BTS received a James A. Van Fleet Award, and RM was called “insensitive” for his acceptance speech. In his speech, the 26-year-old rapper, songwriter, and record producer spoke of the “70th anniversary of the Korean War” and commemorated “the sacrifices of countless men and women.”
RM’s speech received mixed reactions on social media. While others praise the BTS leader, some are calling the group out for “hurting the Chinese fans’ feelings” and “negating history.”
“South Korean boy band #BTS is strongly condemned on #China's social media for their speech after receiving James A. Van Fleet Award. Chinese netizens said the band's totally one-sided attitude to the #KoreanWar hurts their feelings and negates history,” an outlet tweeted.
Because of that, Samsung China and FILA China reportedly took down BTS-related posts and products from their websites. RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook are well-known endorsers of these giant brands.
Samsung China apparently removed BTS-related products, the Galaxy S20+, from its official Website. (Check out the screenshot here).
FILA China also deleted its BTS-related post from its Weibo account. It previously announced the group’s endorsement on the popular Chinese social media platform, but it has now been deleted. (Check out the screenshot here).
BTS is very hands-on with everything that they do, so many are convinced that RM himself wrote his acceptance speech. There is also the possibility that it was prepared for him, but he already read it several times and knew the content.
RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook have always spoken then minds, but they also try to be considerate to everyone. That said, it is unlikely that the BTS leader purposely said his acceptance speech to hurt their Chinese fans.
However, Chinese netizens are still expressing their dismay over RM’s acceptance speech and are demanding an apology. BTS and Big Hit Entertainment have not addressed the matter as of this writing.
