ARMY angry with BLACKPINK fans wishing harm to BTS amid North and South Korea tensions

In recent news, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un declared that reunification with the South is no longer feasible. He proposed a change in the constitution to label the South as the "principal enemy." In response, South Korea's President vowed a "multiple times stronger" retaliation to any provocations from the North. Amid all this, fans of BTS, known as ARMY, expressed concerns for the safety of the 7 Idols and other men currently fulfilling mandatory military service in South Korea. Some of the members are even said to be stationed near the border of the two countries.

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What has particularly enraged ARMY is the response from certain fandoms, notably BLACKPINK's, to the unfolding events. While fandom rivalries are not uncommon, the act of wishing harm upon artists is deemed the lowest form of allegiance.

BLACKPINK fans, called Blinks, have expressed ill-wishes toward BTS members currently in military service have surfaced on X (formerly known as Twitter). Many have gone to the point of even wishing death on the members, just because they don't like the group.

In reaction to such sentiments, ARMY has taken to social media to condemn the hate, emphasizing that Blinks should remember their favourites also share the same nationality. ARMY have also asked others to report such accounts on X and are wanting everyone to pray for the safety of the men serving in South Korea.

Why are BTS in the military?

The internationally renowned K-pop phenomenon, BTS, began their mandatory military service, by the legal obligation imposed on all able-bodied South Korean men aged 18-28. This mandatory military service, spanning from 18 to 21 months, is a deeply ingrained aspect of South Korean society and is widely perceived as a significant rite of passage for young men.

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When will BTS rejoin as a group?

The BTS group, currently fulfilling their mandatory military service, is slated to complete their obligations by 2025. Having recently renewed their contract with BigHit Music and HYBE Labels, the group and ARMY are gearing up for a highly anticipated comeback in 2025. The ARMY is already excited, anticipating what is expected to be one of the biggest comebacks in the history of both BTS and the broader K-pop scene.