BTS Update: K-Pop Group's Fans Slam Korean TV Networks For Allegedly Mistreating Some Members Of The Army
The BTS Army can't contain their rage after some fans of the boy band claimed to have been mistreated by the security personnel of two Korean TV networks. Some members of the fandom shared on social media their experience when they watched the BTS's pre-recordings with MBC's Show! Music Core and SBS's Inkigayo.
The BTS's fans took to Twitter to recall what they claimed to be a mistreatment of some members of the Army. One fan said she along with other fans came in early to watch their favorite band in Show! Music Core. However, there were ordered to vacate their seats for some "VIP guests."
"But MBC security, why would you use the wording 'higher-up guests' to make all the ARMYs, including me, who are already sitting down, move for some people? They said simply, 'I want to watch it from a good spot. I want to watch it here,' so you gave them the center seat in the 1st row of the 2nd floor, made all the ARMY who were sitting down get up, and move a row back," the fan wrote as translated by AllKPop.
Reports indicate that there were over 50 people who were not fans but were given the seats of fans at the Show! Music Core. Additionally, the group was also reportedly allowed into the "Fake Love" hitmakers' waiting room as showed in the photos that were apparently taken in the room.
Another fan shared on social media the Army's experience during the BTS's pre-recording for Inkigayo. They were reportedly got yelled at when they took out their phones to take pictures while the "little girls with connections" did not.
Furious fans are demanding an apology from SBS, MBC, and Big Hit Entertainment. Some BTS fans expressed rage to BTS's label Big Hit Entertainment, saying the agency should have done something to protect the K-pop fans which also include minors. They also want to get an assurance from the TV networks and Big Hit that the same incidents will never happen again.
This is not the first time the BTS's Army protest the rude treatment of their members. Last month, some fans of BTS were reportedly badly treated by the personnel of Big Hit Entertainment during a fan meet in Japan. Apparently, some Army recorded the event despite a no-recording policy. The security staff allegedly forcibly deleted the recorded videos and the fans who were responsible were kicked out of the venue.
Big Hit Entertainment issued an apology to BTS Army for the inconvenience that they experienced. The agency added that they will teach their staff on how to deal with the fans to ensure a good relationship between the two parties.
Moreover, some members of the BTS Army also recently started a movement to stand against racism after members of the fandom experience online trolling. Those who were particularly bullied online are black women fans of BTS. The Army is taking a stand against racism with the use of hashtags #BlackARMYsequality and #BlackARMYsMatter.
"The fact that black Armys continuously get insulted and disrespected is sickening. Racism has no place here. ALL #BlackARMYsMatter," one fan wrote.