BTS is currently one of the most iconic South Korean K-pop boy bands, having attained worldwide success.
While they are enjoying the sweet taste of their success, some are still questioning whether they truly deserve the spotlight or not. Long before they have finally carved their names in the global scene, these young men debuted in a then-small agency. They also received multitudes of criticisms and were attacked as human beings and as artists.
It was a tough journey for BTS and for ARMYs who have seen them defy the odds, winning is something they deserve.
Looking back, how was it like becoming BTS along the way? How many criticisms did they endure from antis?
BTS was disrespected by a fellow artist
In 2013, a fellow rapper named B-Free maliciously called them as "girls" while being interviewed. The neophytes were given such a statement because they were wearing make-up. This gathered hate among fans who were right in front of them.
RM, V and Jimin's Death Threats
At one point, their "The Red Bullet" concert in New York way back in 2015 was cut short due to a death threat targeting the leader of the band RM. V and Jimin also have their share of being in a similar situation.
Accused of Plagiarism
The Bangtan Boys were accused of copying music lyrics and concepts, and their personal styles and image projection were questioned by many. Antis were too aggressive to the point of initiating a trending hashtag called #plagiarismboys. To counter-attack this, ARMYs fought back by writing another hashtag. Albeit the fandom gave their best to defend their idols, they have to respond to this by saying that they will work harder.
Accused of Chart Manipulation
Music charts serve as the basis of a group or artist's positive response from the audience. True enough, when BTS won as their first Grand Prize for "Album of the Year," the hate followed other fandoms started speculating that there was a miscalculation, and it was given as a form of charity. MelOn then released their official statement, denying the accusation and stated that the boy band really hit the highest rank.
J-Hope bashed for his physical appearance
It was indeed a heartbreaking moment for one of BTS members, J-Hope, to receive bashing with regards to his looks. Some called him ugly to be called a K-pop idol and that he should not be part of the group. Once, hashtag #kickoutjhopeBTS trended on Twitter. It became a huge buzz that an international personality, Tony Jones, stood up and spoke about the issue.
"Any adjustment to BTS members would be one of the biggest mistakes in K-pop history. Every member is needed and talented," he said.
Antis filed a petition over the 2017 MAMA result
This lead to a filing of a petition to the Blue House in South Korea, to demolish Mnet's MAMA for wrong unfair votes and judging. However, those were not supported by international fans of the said fandoms. Thus the request was subdued.
Big Hit Entertainment was not at all silent. As the criticisms were taking their toll towards BTS, the company stood up. Legal actions were done against those who spread malicious comments and hate hurled at the boys.
BTS, just like other groups, has gone through a rough path. Suga even revealed his fight against depression since their trainee days. Being forecasted as a group who will never make it is one of the heartbreaking struggles they had to endure. ARMYs have seen them shed tears many times.
Nonetheless, BTS is celebrating its 7th anniversary in June. Indeed, they have endured the test of time.
