In a recent turn of events, BTS member V, also known as Kim Taehyung, has found himself at the center of a controversy. During a spontaneous broadcast on Weverse, where he interacted with fans and grooved to various American rap tracks, some fans allege that he mouthed the "n-word" while singing along to A$AP Rocky's "RIOT."
The 27-year-old South Korean artist, known for his deep connection with fans, commonly referred to as ARMYs, was enjoying tracks like "Beat The P***y Up" by Young Jeezy, YG, T.I., among others. However, it was during "RIOT" that the contention arose. A specific line in the song that includes the derogatory term became the focal point of the debate. Clips of the alleged incident began circulating on social media platforms, particularly Twitter, leading to a split in fan opinions.
While it remains unclear whether V actually mouthed the term or paused during that part of the song, the incident has sparked a significant debate online. Some fans argue that he should be held accountable for his actions, with one Twitter user commenting, "He really moved his mouth to those lyrics TWICE, and his fans are still making excuses." Another added, "He said n-a [I don't know] why [you all] jumping around to defend him. Have some basic decency."
On the other hand, many fans have come to V's defense, suggesting that the artist did not say the word and that the controversy is a result of misinterpretation. One user pointed out, "[You] literally hear him pause and then continue saying the next lyric and skipping the word AGAIN." Another fan observed, "[To be honest] it's hard to tell, but it looks like he just nodded with his mouth open."
The debate underscores the broader issue of cultural sensitivity and the responsibilities that come with global fame. As artists like BTS continue to bridge cultural divides and reach international audiences, the scrutiny on their actions, both on and off the stage, intensifies.
As of now, neither V nor his label, BigHit Music, have commented on the matter. The livestream in question remains accessible on Weverse, allowing fans and critics alike to review the footage and draw their conclusions.
In the midst of this controversy, it's essential to approach the situation with an open mind and await any official statements from the involved parties. As BTS continues to make waves in the music industry, incidents like these serve as a reminder of the challenges and responsibilities that come with global stardom.
