The global ARMY fanbase is split in two following BTS member Suga’s recent DUI incident on an electric scooter. The incident has sparked heated debates between Korean and international fans, with Korean fans calling for Suga to leave the group and international fans defending him.
Korean ARMYs are particularly upset, especially after it was revealed that Suga’s initial statement to the police was not entirely accurate. They feel that his actions have tarnished the reputation of both BTS and ARMY, leading to a growing sentiment that he should step down from the group. On the other hand, international fans believe the backlash against Suga is too harsh, describing it as a “witch hunt.” Some have even expressed that their affection for Korea has diminished, citing a loss of trust.
Social media has become a battleground, with hashtags like “Korean police are corrupt” trending among international fans who argue that Suga, as a top global artist, deserves better treatment. The once-solid fanbase that propelled BTS to global superstardom now finds itself divided.
Experts are weighing in on this fracture within the BTS fandom. Cultural critic Kim Heon Sik commented, “In Korea, the moral standards for celebrities, especially concerning issues like DUI, have become increasingly strict. However, fans from developing countries, where BTS also has a large following, find this situation difficult to understand.” He added, “This split reflects how widely BTS’s fanbase has expanded globally.”
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