BTS is undeniably the biggest K-pop band to date. The group is victoriously filling stadiums internationally, has sold millions, and broke records, thanks to their smash hit discography. While they are now at the height of their success, the septet, just like any other groups and celebrities, have had a few bumps along the way. Take a look at these considered the worst controversies involving BTS.
JIN's CONDOM
Jin was busted in a scandal back in 2014 after a condom was detected in his bedroom. Jin took a photo of himself having a meal he had cooked for BTS's recipe blog content.
Eagle-eyed netizens saw what they believed was a box of condoms in the corner of the room, and theories went berserk. As numerous rumors began to circulate, Big Hit Entertainment stepped out and explained that the package was actually a condom package and that Jin had got it as a present from fans.
Even though at first the netizens took the issue poorly, public sentiment on the subject has shifted gradually. Today, most people on social media no longer think of it as a big deal.
BTS's BULK-BUYING ISSUE
Although BTS launched with moderate popularity in 2013, it was not until their 3rd mini-album, "The Most Beautiful Moment in Life, Part 1," was released that they have seen significant mainstream achievement. The lead single, "I Need U," has dominated and climbed several Korean chart rankings, and the album has long been the no. 1 bestselling album.
When BTS exceeded BIGBANG in worldwide sales, people on social media accused Big Hit Entertainment of "sajaegi, which is "the act of manipulating and controlling music charts ratings, rankings usually by falsely inflating album sales statistics by purchasing (or subcontracting) huge quantities of records."
The problem ended up being laid to rest after some searching by the netizens. As BTS had developed a substantial global following, it turned out that the unexpected increase in sales was due to the influx of foreign sales into the program.
JUNGKOOK's "LET'S LOVE" ISSUE
A small group of EXO supporters and BTS fans had a little friction between them for a moment. Some EXO-Ls claimed that BTS copied the ideas and styles of EXO, while ARMYs insisted that those were standard ideas adopted by many celebrities.
The conflict became more severe in 2015 when Jungkook used BTS once to use the word "Let's Love." EXO-Ls small community thought it was an offense and an intrusion as the term was an EXO-specific slogan.
A snapshot of the faces of Jungkook on a funeral spread like a wildfire among some of the EXO-Ls who considered the wreath disrespectful.
Many ARMYs thought the picture was too serious, and friction arose between some members of both fandom. The rivalry has seemed to have subsided as fans discovered that EXO and BTS were, in fact, close.
RM's ALLEGED PLAGIARISM ISSUE
Back in 2015, a social media user by the name @wevebeenhere reported that RM copied lyrics by the name @radiordinary from itself and some other user. The words at issue have been used in verse on the track of First, "U."
@wevebeenhere provided examples of the suspected copyright infringement, and the account disclosed that he had written the line, "I will become your underline because you are that important."
RM has faced up to the allegations. He made an apology genuinely for the error and stated that several of his lyrics originated from books, films, interviews, and notes.
He made the error of not affirming the initial quote's citation, which contributed to the claimed copyright infringement. User @wevebeenhere has forgiven RM ever since and has even sent RM a personal apology for creating unnecessary distress.
MISOGYNY
Back in 2013, Suga has sent a tweet considered dubious by many people on social media.
The tweet translates loosely to: "I'm looking at you all. I will [take a snapshot/strike you] with this camera ^^ with the corner ^^ On your head's crown ^^.'
The issue was in wordplay as the term "almost" could be interpreted as "take a picture" or "ruck." Several netizens suspected Suga of being excessively violent and misogynistic on the boundary.
As 2014 saw the release of "War of Hormone," several people and South Korean feminists accused the album of misogyny. With verses that say "women are the greatest gift" and "wear high heels more often," the track was considered by many as objectifying women.
ILLICIT MARKETING
Back in 2017, a contracting firm's CEO, "B," was convicted to one year's detention for trying to blackmail Big Hit Entertainment. Big Hit had hired the agency two years earlier for a publicity initiative, and the firm had collapsed on tough times. Because of its financial difficulties, CEO "B" secretly challenged Big Hit Entertainment, saying that it would expose methods of illicit marketing used to support artists of Big Hit Entertainment.
A Big Hit Entertainment employee directly submitted transactions totaling 5.7 million KRW ($50.335 USD) in fear of besmirching their artist's image. Eventually, CEO "B" was found and convicted for extortion.
Nonetheless, rumors started to circulate with netizens claiming that if Big Hit Entertainment weren't guilty of unethical marketing tactics, they would have never charged CEO "B" first.
MULTIPLE DEATH THREATS
When BTS was in the US for a world tour called "The Red Bullet" in 2015, threats were made against the safety of RM. Many suspected that the acts of violence were due to contentious interviews the band had in Australia, where RM reportedly claimed that "when I first saw V and J-Hope, I couldn't see them because they were too black."
Several people believed that statement was downright racist, and RM got a lot of negative press for his remarks. All fan activities at the New York leg had been scrapped because of the attacks.
Then, in 2017, a deadly attack was directly aimed at member Jimin. A Twitter user said they had two conspirators, and they'd kill Jimin when BTS stopped in Anaheim, CA, for a tour of "The Wings." Police were informed, and that day, enforcement was on heightened alert.
