BTS faces backlash by Chinese followers after comments on Korean War post Van Fleet Awards

K-pop juggernauts BTS has landed in troubled waters after leader RM’s speech at Van Fleet Award was alleged to be ‘one-sided’ by Chinese followers of group. Reports in Variety suggest that ‘BTS has hurt sentiments of Chinese fans, as claimed by fandom through social networking site Weibo.

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RM's comments on Korean War

BTS’ leader RM gave a speech after receiving award for ‘contributions’ in integrating Korean-USA relationship. award was given to group after it achieved major success on Billboard Hot 100 chart on day of 70th anniversary of Korean War. BTS’ RM’s comments which extended solidarity with Korean and US sacrifices made during war did t go well with group's Chinese followers.

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According to a report in Variety, Chinese fans soon trended #BTShumiliatedChina on Weibo, which is a popular application in mainland. BTS was slammed with hate comments and asked ‘t to earn from China’ if y do t understand sacrifices made by Chinese soldiers during war. se comments were made by Chinese users of Weibo a few hours after day one of BTS’ virtual concert BTS's Map of Soul: ON:E. Chinese websites like Tmall and JD.com were quick to react on social media uproar in mainland and removed BTS-related products from sites. Samsung, Hyundai, Fila products disappeared as a result of social media transgressions, as reported by Variety.

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At time of Korean war between June 1950 to July 1953, rth Korea and South Korea were at frontlines with rth Korea aided by Chinese troops and South Korea by  US.  Many lives were lost on both sides of war. Only an armistice agreement was signed but t a peace treaty towards end of war. Korean borders or DMZ are still heavily armed.

RM's comments on Korean war had mention of country, China. He spoke about group’s solidarity of countless lives lost during war as well as US and Korean relationships. However, Chinese and rth Korean authorities are of belief that US was ‘aggressor’ in war, as reported by Guardian. septet band is yet to give a statement on matter.

Chinese state-affiliated media shared following tweet-

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